Ellen DeGeneres is tackling the toxic job scandal that caused three of her top producers to be fired in 2020 as she prepares to close her successful talk show this week after 19 seasons on the air.
The 64-year-old TV presenter described the controversy as “very, very difficult” and said she had been “crying every day” while filming parts of her latest series, the final episode of which will air tomorrow.
However, Ellen also revealed that she had been trying to keep the last two weeks of filming “fun” because of her “struggle with anxiety and depression.”
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the comedian said he had originally planned to stop the show three years ago, just before allegations of a toxic environment came to light, but he was asked to stay.
“They convinced me to stay a little longer and I did and it’s okay,” Ellen told the post when asked if she had any “regrets” about her decision to end the series when she did.
“I was crying every day”: Ellen DeGeneres talks about ending her successful show after 19 seasons as she tackles THIS toxic scandal in the workplace
Referring to the scandal, the veteran star said: “There were many things that happened during this time that were unfortunate, but that’s what they are: you go through things in life and you keep learning and growing. ‘I have to look at it.’
Executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and executive co-producer Jonathan Norman were fired in 2020 amid allegations of misconduct, sexual harassment, harassment and intimidation on set.
Leman and Norman vigorously denied the allegations while Glavin did not publicly address the allegations.
Ellen apologized after rumors of her own misconduct, including being “in pain” with the staff, saying at the time, “I’m so sorry for the people who affected me.”
Exciting: The 64-year-old TV presenter admitted that she has been “crying every day” while filming her latest series, the final episode of which will air tomorrow.
After continuing the series, the former sitcom star told THR that he believes it is the right time for it to come to an end, saying that the world is “in a crazy place” and has become “very busy “.
“But it’s definitely time to stop. And the producers, we’ll all keep in touch. Andy [Lassner, her executive producer] it still sends me text messages at least three times a day, “he said.
Ellen was also asked if she regretted finishing the program earlier, which would possibly have prevented the toxic reaction from the workplace, but suggested that it had happened for a reason.
“I have to trust that what happened during that time, which was obviously very, very difficult, happened for a reason,” he explained.
“I think I learned a lot, and there were some things that surprised me and surprised me. It was revealing, but I just trust that this had to happen.
Make the most of it: Ellen has made a name for herself in her farewell season, including Oprah Winfrey, and her last guest will be Jennifer Aniston.
When it came to filming the final series, Ellen revealed that it was an emotional process.
“There was a moment of a couple of months out when I cried every day. I was very excited, even though it was my choice and it’s the right choice. I knew it was time to end this chapter and doing something different, but it was still very emotional. “
The final episode of the show was previously recorded in April, and Ellen explained how she tried to put herself in a more positive mindset during filming.
“But I didn’t want the last two weeks to be about that. I was meditating every day on my intention and how much I wanted to be present and enjoy it and I also wanted it for the audience.”
“I wanted people to remember what we brought to TV with music, games and everything. It was more of a variety show than anything else, and I wanted the last two weeks to be pure fun because I’m struggling with anxiety. and depression and I know how important it is to escape.
Next: Ellen and his wife Portia di Rossi will escape to Rwanda after their last show; photo 2014
“Every day we are reminded of what is happening in the world, from a sick relative to wars and fires and global warming. There are many different things that make you sad.
Ellen’s last guest is Jennifer Aniston, who was chosen because the superstar of Friends was the first guest on the talk show in 2003.
This week she also welcomed Oprah Winfrey to her famous couch, and the talk show vet gave her some wise advice.
“She said she would not really feel it until September, when she would normally return [into production]”, Ellen revealed.
When the show is over, the TV star will spend time in Rwanda with his wife Porta di Rossi, where he has opened an educational campus to help save wild mountain gorillas.
Controversy: Ellen announced in May 2021 that the program was ending after complaints from a toxic workplace by program staff that sparked an internal Warner Brothers investigation.