ellen matsumoto tours

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

TYRE PARTNER

Ellen DeGeneres Addresses ‘Getting Kicked Out Of Show Business’ On New Comedy Tour

Published By : Dishya Sharma

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 26, 2024, 13:44 IST

Mumbai, India

Ellen returned to the comedy stage with her tour. (Photo Credits: X)

Ellen kicked off her Ellen’s Last Stand … Up Tour and poked fun at her career downfall.

On Wednesday, comedian Ellen DeGeneres made a noteworthy comeback to the stand-up scene with her latest tour, Ellen’s Last Stand…Up Tour. During her performance, she spoke openly about the controversial termination of her long-running talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The highly regarded daily show came to an end in May 2022 following two decades of broadcasting amid claims of a toxic work environment. Given that it’s Ellen, she can laugh at herself and is not hesitant to mock her professional setback.

On the opening night of Ellen’s Last Stand-Up Tour, a sold-out crowd of around 200 people was supportive of her. Wearing a basic black long-sleeve shirt, white trousers and sneakers, DeGeneres spoke first about the elephant in the room.

Onstage at the Largo at the Coronet Theatre in West Hollywood, DeGeneres cynically said, “Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business,” according to Rolling Stone, which had a reporter there for the event.

“I used to say that I didn’t care what other people thought of me and I realized…DeGeneres said, “I said that at the height of my popularity.”

She stated that worrying about other people’s opinions is such a waste of time and that, in the moment, she hopes that the audience is thinking, “This is wonderful, I’m so happy to be here.” However, they could be considering, “Let’s see how this goes.”

The comedian joked that her famous farewell phrase on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, “Be kind to one another,” would not be enough to save her from the 2020 controversy. “The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind,” she said.

“I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps. Do you know how hard it is to dance up the steps? Would a mean person dance up steps?”

According to reports, she said that people would have been “pleasantly surprised” if she had told them to screw themselves at the end of her show.

Nearly two decades after its launch, DeGeneres revealed in May 2021 that she was ending her daytime talk programme. The statement came after Warner Media investigated workers’ claims of racism, sexual misconduct and intimidation by higher-ups, although the presenter and comedian openly denied that the charges influenced her choice.

DeGeneres acknowledged that she took a long time to decide exactly what she wanted to say and how to confront her fall from grace. She went on to say that although she is making fun of what happened to her, it was “devastating.”

“I just hated the way the show ended. I love that show so much and I just hated that the last time people would see me is that way.”

In spite of her admission that her coworkers were like family to her, DeGeneres acknowledged that she was an inexperienced boss who “didn’t know how to be a boss.”

“I didn’t go to business school. She joked, “I went to Charlie’s Chuckle Hutt.”

She continued, saying that the show was named Ellen, that people were wearing Ellen T-shirts and that there were Ellen buildings within the Warner Brothers property, but she was unaware that this implied she should be in charge.

Speaking on the emotional roller coaster throughout her career, DeGeneres talked about how she was shunned following coming out on her sitcom in the 1990s, then rose to fame again with her talk show before plummeting once again.

She said, “It’s been such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem.”

She said that individuals in this industry are so divided; that they either adore and look up to you or they despise you, and the latter group tends to be “louder.”

She added, for those keeping count, that this is her second time being booted out of the show business, and she will be kicked out a third time since she is “mean, old and gay.”

At sixty-six years old, DeGeneres claimed to have been more conscious of her physical and emotional ageing. She claims her doctor just informed her that she has osteoporosis and arthritis and that she frequently finds herself wondering about philosophical topics like time and the universe. Furthermore, she said, she’s reached a stage in her life when she can’t stop thinking about Wheel of Fortune.

She brought up her mother’s dementia and made a comparison between them, highlighting how they are both losing their sense of self. According to DeGeneres, her mother’s identity was simply being her mother, and the talk show had been her entire identity.

• Ellen DeGeneres
• entertainment

Ellen DeGeneres Addresses ‘Getting Kicked Out of Show Business’ on Her New Comedy Tour: ‘It’s Been a Toll on My Ego’

By Krystie Lee Yandoli

Krystie Lee Yandoli

As she strode onto the famed comedy stage of the Largo at the Coronet Theater in the heart of West Hollywood on Wednesday night, Ellen DeGeneres was a woman in command. A sold-out crowd of about 200 fans burst into roaring applause, eager to see the comedian turned talk-show host return to her comedy roots on the first night of her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up Tour . And she didn’t disappoint. Dressed in a simple, black long-sleeved shirt, white pants, and sneakers, DeGeneres addressed the elephant in the room with her first words.

“I used to say that I didn’t care what other people thought of me and I realized…I said that at the height of my popularity,” DeGeneres said, prompting the audience to erupt in laughter. “It is such a waste of time to worry about what other people think…Right now I’m hoping you’re thinking, ‘This is marvelous, I’m so happy to be here.’ But you could be thinking, ‘Let’s see how this goes.’”

Editor’s picks

The 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history, every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term.

Her Wednesday night set — culled from material DeGeneres said she’s been working on for about six months, including in a handful of performances — kicked off with a recap of what she’s been up to since her talk-show ended: gardening, a lot of sweatpants-wearing, and collecting chickens as pets. She joked that as someone who once hosted a daily show, she appreciates the plight of the chicken who has to lay an egg every day. Still, most of the routine found her grappling with having become Public Enemy No. 1 — a whiplash turn from her once-firm reputation as the happy-go-lucky talk-show host who ended each episode telling her audience to “be kind to one another.”

“What else can I tell you?” she mused, mock-reflecting on her recent past before adding sarcastically, “Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business. There’s no mean people in show business.” 

Mae Martin Is a Master Escape Artist

From jerry seinfeld to george lopez, here's where to buy 2024 comedy tour tickets online, richard lewis, comic and 'curb your enthusiasm' star, dead at 76.

“I didn’t go to business school. I went to Charlie’s Chuckle Hutt,” DeGeneres joked. “The show was called Ellen and everybody was wearing T-shirts that said ‘Ellen’ and there were buildings on the Warner Brothers lot that said ‘Ellen,’ but I don’t know that that meant I should be in charge.”

She chalked up some of the vitriol she faced at the time to sexism, noting that “there are consequences” for not following the pre-existing rules and gender roles. Referencing the cancellation of her eponymous sitcom in the 1990s after she’d announced to the world that she was gay, she added wryly, “For those of you keeping score, this is the second time I’ve been kicked out of show business…Eventually they’re going to kick me out for a third time because I’m mean, old, and gay.”

The demise of her talk show seems especially painful for DeGeneres since, as she described in her set, it had been her way back to being embraced after her Nineties exile. “I’m giving stuff away…and I danced, then I was mean and they didn’t like me again,” she said. “It’s been such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem. There’s such extremes in this business, people either love you and idolize you or they hate you, and those people somehow are louder.”

As a 66-year-old woman, DeGeneres said she’s also grown increasingly aware of the aging process both physically and mentally. She finds herself thinking about existential subjects like time and the universe, and said her doctor recently told her she has osteoporosis and arthritis. Plus, she joked, now she’s at a point in her life where she’s obsessing over Wheel of Fortune .

Bringing up chickens as another metaphor for women and gender roles, DeGeneres made her point with “one last chicken joke,” as she put it. “Why did the chicken cross the road? Because she wanted to and you wouldn’t ask a rooster that.”

At the conclusion of her set, the crowd gave DeGeneres a standing ovation, prompting her to return to the stage for a candid conversation with the audience. DeGeneres called on people one by one as they asked questions and shared messages of gratitude. One same-sex couple said they had gotten married earlier that day and asked for marital advice. (DeGeneres’ wife of 16 years, Portia de Rossi, briefly made an appearance onstage during the Q&A, at fans’ request; DeGeneres explained that the last few years had been very tough on de Rossi as well, saying, “We were both just laying low for a while.”) One woman thanked DeGeneres for her original Netflix comedy special (2018’s Relatable ) because it made her mom laugh when she was diagnosed with cancer. Another woman expressed her thanks to DeGeneres for participating in her autistic daughter’s bat mitzvah. One person who said they’d been inspired by DeGeneres’ positivity asked if she used dancing as a means of escape during her recent tough period. 

“No. It’s hard to dance when you’re crying,” DeGeneres replied. “But I am dancing now.”

DeGeneres flashed another moment of sensitivity and bewilderment when a fan asked if her first go-round with public scrutiny after coming out prepared her for the next one, when The Ellen DeGeneres Show collapsed.

“This was a whole different thing,” she replied. “This was like, ‘What is going on?’ It was so hurtful. I couldn’t gain perspective. I couldn’t do anything to make myself understand that it wasn’t personal… I just thought, ‘Well this is not the way I wanted to end my career, but this is the way it’s ending.’”

DeGeneres added that it took her a long time to figure out what she wanted to say on the topic and how she wanted to say it. 

Meet the MVP of 'Shōgun' — Ex-Punk Rocker and Japanese Movie Star Tadanobu Asano

Team trump is ready to lose the supreme court immunity case. they’re celebrating, billie eilish would like to reintroduce herself, russian mercenaries hunt the african warlord america couldn’t catch.

Citing the self-help book The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom , DeGeneres explained that she’s made her peace with the fact that everyone has their own reasons for making certain choices and “they have to live with their stuff.”

“I do realize that whatever happens may have nothing to do with me, it’s just somebody else’s stuff,” she said. “So no, I will not [seek revenge].”

Harvey Weinstein Hospitalized After Rape Conviction Overturned: 'A Train Wreck Health-Wise'

• Crimes and Court
• By Daniel Kreps
• Outside the Box
• By Miles Klee

Paramedic Involved in Elijah McClain's Death Avoids Prison, Sentenced to 4 Years Probation

• Elijah McClain
• By Charisma Madarang

King Charles III Announces Return to 'Public-Facing Duties' After Cancer Diagnosis

• royal return

USC Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony, Increases Campus Security Measures Amid Protests

• Student Protests
• By Larisha Paul

Most Popular

Anne hathaway says 'gross' chemistry test in the 2000s required her to make out with 10 guys: that's the 'worst way to do it' and 'now we know better', louvre considers moving mona lisa to underground chamber to end 'public disappointment', 'the lord of the rings' trilogy returning to theaters, remastered and extended, vince mcmahon lists final tko shares for sale, you might also like, box office: ‘dune 2’ passes $700 million globally, ‘godzilla x kong: the new empire’ tops $500 million worldwide, nicole kidman’s daughters sunday and faith urban wear monique lhuillier for afi life achievement award gala, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, bob bakish expected to resign as paramount ceo amid skydance merger talks, messi’s road show shatters another attendance record.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Ellen DeGeneres kicks off comeback tour in Los Angeles, anticipates third ostracism for being ‘old, mean, and gay’

Ellen DeGeneres has licked her wounds since exiting her daytime talk show in May 2022, and is back on the road in preparation for a Netflix special she will tape this fall. Her performance at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles saw many scribes in the audience, eager to see how she addressed this new phase of her career. ( Upcoming gigs take her from San Diego to Spokane through early July.) 

The former Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy host, who herself has won one Primetime Emmy and a whopping 33 Daytime Emmys, discussed her downfall to the sold-out audience of 200 on Wednesday night. “I used to say that I didn’t care what other people thought of me and I realized I said that at the height of my popularity,” she zinged. 

More from GoldDerby

2024 Emmy Predictions: Best Comedy Actor

2024 Emmy Predictions: Best Comedy Actress

'We Were the Lucky Ones' leading man Logan Lerman is coming for that Emmy

She remarked that she’d been kicked out of show business for “being mean,” then added, “there’s no mean people in show business.” She also commented that this was the second time the industry turned its back on her—the first was when she came out as gay and her sitcom was canceled. 

She then foresaw her third excommunication for being “old, mean, and gay.”

Though DeGeneres’s persona stemmed from being super nice, a 2020 article in Buzzfeed poked holes in this with ample evidence to the contrary and led to a tide-turning against her. She eventually had to pull the plug on her show. 

“The hate went on for a long time and I would try to avoid looking at the news,” she said. “The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline.” She reflected that she was once known as someone who “gave away stuff and danced up steps,” but then “I’m giving stuff away…and I danced, then I was mean and they didn’t like me again. It’s been such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem. There’s such extremes in this business, people either love you and idolize you or they hate you, and those people somehow are louder.”

Who knows, maybe this riff was funnier in person?

Anyway, during a fan Q&A, she got more serious and said, “It’s hard to dance when you’re crying” and that her suspension from the public had been “a hard time.” 

But she has a happy ending in mind for this summer’s tour: in fall she’ll be taping a comedy special for Netflix. 

PREDICT the 2024 Emmy nominees through July 17

Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs . Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Don’t miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why?

SIGN UP for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions

Best of GoldDerby

'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 9 cast photos: Meet the 8 returning queens

Is 'SNL' new tonight (April 27, 2024)? Host, musical guest details

'Survivor' deaths: Remembering Sonja Christopher and 14 other castaways we've lost

Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter . For the latest news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

Click here to read the full article.

Recommended Stories

Kyle richards raves about these no. 1 bestselling no-show socks, and they're just $2 a pair.

The 'Real Housewives' star is among the thousands of buyers who love their breathability and secure fit.

The Marc Anthony conditioner may help save your thinning hair — and it's just $8

'My hair has never grown like this before': More than 36,000 five-star reviewers rave about this detangler.

'Cover without overheating': This No. 1 bestselling kimono cardigan is on sale for as low as $14

Score the stylish layering piece that over 42,000 Amazon shoppers adore.

Podiatrists and nurses love these lightweight sneakers, and they're $32 right now — that's 60% off

Over 14,000 reviewers say the stylish, supportive kicks are just what the doctor ordered.

NBA Playoffs: Lakers stave off elimination, snap 11-game losing streak to Nuggets

Nobody beats LeBron James and the Lakers 12 times in a row.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics flex muscle to take 2-1 lead over Heat

The Celtics led by as much as 29 in Game 3.

NFL Draft: Alabama safety Jaylen Key is 'Mr. Irrelevant' as Jets take him with final pick

Alabama safety Jaylen Key was selected with the 257th and final pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Chelsea and incoming USWNT coach Emma Hayes 'robbed' by 'worst decision in women's Champions League history'

Chelsea's loss to Barcelona in the Women's Champions League semifinals came with one positive side effect, from an American perspective: Emma Hayes will take the USWNT head coaching job a week sooner.

NBA playoffs: Sharpshooting Thunder puts Pelicans on verge of elimination with Game 3 win

The Oklahoma City Thunder took a 3–0 series lead over the New Orleans Pelicans with a 106–85 win in Game 3 on Saturday.

Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado: 2024 Comparison

Expert advice comparing the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2024 Ford Ranger's power, towing, mpg, safety, price and specs, including the Raptor and ZR2.

THE 10 BEST Matsumoto Tours & Excursions

Matsumoto tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day Private Tour To Mount Fuji Assisted By English Chauffeur

2. 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

3. Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

4. eTour de Matsumoto - Electric Bike Tour

5. Matsumoto Discovery - Customizable Private Tour

6. Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour

7. From Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi

8. 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto

9. 1 Hour Private Photoshoot in Matsumoto Nagano

10. Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group

11. Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group

12. Matsumoto Private One Day Tour from Nagano

13. Matsumoto Custom Full Day Tour

14. Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience

15. Snow monkeys from Tokyo: Full-Day Private trip with Local Guide

16. Nagano 5-Day Pass

17. [From Nagano] Private 1-day Kamikochi & Matsumoto Tour

18. Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano

19. 1 Day Tour From Nagano to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-Juku

20. Japan Alps Kamikochi Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide

21. Kamikochi Feel nature and Hiking 1 day trip (near Takayama)

What travelers are saying.

• Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
• Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour
• Full Day Private Tour To Mount Fuji Assisted By English Chauffeur
• Snow monkeys from Tokyo: Full-Day Private trip with Local Guide
• From Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi
• Natureguide Fivesense
• Shinshu Mirai Creation Company
• Matsumoto Experience
• 上高地白樺自然学校（ネイチャーガイド）
• Welcome Matsumoto

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

Ellen degeneres says she “hated the way” her talk show ended.

The former daytime host is currently on tour with her stand-up show, 'Ellen's Last Stand … Up.'

By Christy Piña

Christy Piña

Associate Editor

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Email
• Show additional share options
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Pinit
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Print
• Share this article on Comment

Ellen DeGeneres took a moment to acknowledge the controversy that surrounded her talk show, Ellen , when it concluded in May 2022.

She is currently on a comedy tour called Ellen’s Last Stand … Up . During her stop in Los Angeles on Wednesday, DeGeneres joked that she was “kicked out of show business” for being “mean,” according to People .

Related Stories

Ellen degeneres sets 'saving the gorillas' special to stream on discovery+ and max, rosie o'donnell on ellen, madonna, trump and 40 years in the queer spotlight.

“The hate went on for a long time, and I would try to avoid looking at the news,” she recalled, per People , noting that she used to end her talk show each day by saying, “Be kind to one another.” “The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind,” she added in her routine. “That was the headline.”

By prompting people to be nice to one another, DeGeneres joked that it became a “problem” since people began to think of her as a “one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps.”

After her set ended, she held a Q&A session for fans in the audience. One of the attendees asked her if she continued to “dance” during the tough times following the allegations, and she said she wasn’t able to because she was so hurt over the claims.

“No … It’s hard to dance when you’re crying,” she said, adding that she “had a hard time” with everything and “didn’t get out” as the scandal was happening. She also noted that she was “in a funk” that started affecting her wife, Portia de Rossi . “She was watching it happen to me … she went through it with me,” she said of de Rossi.

At the time, DeGeneres said she laid low and became “persona non grata” for the second time since she came out as gay in 1997. Since then, however, with the help of her wife, she has started to dance again.

“I’m making jokes about what happened to me, but it was devastating,” she said. “It took a long time for me to want to do anything again,” noting that she “hated the way the show ended” because she “loved that show so much.” She also added that she didn’t want her time on the show to be tainted by the public’s negative perception of her.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter after she had wrapped production on the final Ellen episode , DeGeneres explained that she had to “trust that whatever happened during that time, which was obviously very, very difficult, happened for a reason .

“I think that I learned a lot, and there were some things that came up that I was shocked and surprised by. It was eye-opening,” she said, adding, “but I just trust that that had to happen.”

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Real-life ‘baby reindeer’ stalker speaks out following netflix show success, vanessa lachey “blindsided” and “gutted” by ‘ncis: hawai’i’ cancellation, ian bohen teases ‘yellowstone’ will have the “best series finale in history”, ‘ncis: hawai’i’ canceled at cbs after three seasons, marla adams, dina on ‘the young and the restless,’ dies at 85, lori loughlin speaks out following varsity blues scandal: “you can’t hang on to negativity. life’s too short”.

Ellen DeGeneres Says She Was "Kicked Out of Show Business" for Being "Mean"

Ellen degeneres reflected on the allegations of a toxic workplace on the set of her former talk show while returning to her stand-up comedy roots..

Ellen DeGeneres is laying it all out.

Two years after walking away from her eponymous daytime talk show —which was mired in allegations of a toxic workplace during its final years—the comedian reflected on the controversy and its impact on her.

"I got kicked out of show business," Ellen quipped during her stand-up comedy set at the Coronet Theater in West Hollywood April 24, per Rolling Stone . "There's no mean people in show business." 

"The 'be kind' girl wasn't kind," the 66-year-old continued. "I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps. Do you know how hard it is to dance up steps? Would a mean person dance up steps?"

In 2020, 11 current and former Ellen DeGeneres Show employees detailed their experience on the talk show, which they described as a toxic work environment , in an explosive BuzzFeed News report. Some mentioned facing microaggressions, favoritism by executive producers and claims of unexpected terminations.

In addition to an internal memo vowing to make improvements, Ellen apologized in the season 18 premiere opening monologue , adding, "I take that very seriously, and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected."

When the show went off the air two years later, Ellen maintained it wasn't due to the workplace allegations but rather her feeling like it was time. But after keeping a low profile in the years since, she's back on the stage for her comedy show, Ellen's Last Stand…Up Tour .

Trending Stories

Kourtney kardashian and travis barker’s family photos with son rocky, untangling taylor swift’s and matty healy’s songs about each other, noah cyrus fires back at tish cyrus, dominic purcell speculation.

And for her, it appears returning to her comedy roots is also a way to unpack the tumult from the show. After all, Ellen also admitted she "didn't know how to be a boss."

"I didn't go to business school," she continued. "I went to Charlie's Chuckle Hutt. The show was called Ellen and everybody was wearing T-shirts that said 'Ellen' and there were buildings on the Warner Brothers lot that said 'Ellen,' but I don't know that meant I should be in charge."

She also drew parallels to the 1998 cancelation of her sitcom Ellen , which came as a result of her c oming out as gay . 

"For those of you keeping score, this is the second time I've been kicked out of show business," Ellen noted. "Eventually, they're going to kick me out for a third time because I'm mean, old, and gay."

More than that, however, Ellen expressed being in a difficult place, sharing insight while opening up about her mom Betty DeGeneres ' battle with dementia and her own struggle in this new chapter in her life.

"My mother doesn't know she's my mother," she explained, "and I'm trying to figure out who I am without my show."

Keep reading to see which celebs stood behind Ellen and who didn't.

"Sending love and support to Ellen and all of the employees of her show. All of my interactions with everyone from the show including ELLEN were supportive and fun! In that spirit I am praying all involved get the love and support they need," the actress wrote on Instagram , later updating her caption, "...lively debate happening in the comments. I welcome that. I also believe that all of the voices of her employees need to be heard. Past and present. Speaking truth to power is the only way change happens. My truth is everyone was kind to me. From the PAs to the producers. So yeah! I want all of those people to feel valued and heard. And no, people are NOT always kind to talent!"

When asked by  The Los Angeles Times to address the internet's reaction to her support for Ellen, she said , "I started that tweet off not undermining anyone else's experience. I wanted to only speak from my own experience. I have over 100 million people that follow me on Twitter, so not everyone is going to agree with me. And I'm not here to make everyone agree with me."

Stephen "tWitch" Boss

The late Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ told E! News  about his experience on the show, "You know, there hasn't been too many gigs where you feel it every day and build a genuine love from front to back. And the audience, being so happy to be there and ready to dance and ready to laugh and have a good time."

Ashton Kutcher

"I haven't spoken with @TheEllenShow and can only speak from my own experience," the actor tweeted . "She & her team have only treated me & my team w/ respect & kindness. She never pandered to celebrity which I always saw as a refreshing honesty. When things aren't right she handles it and fixes."

When someone replied, "Oh she treats billionaire A list guests well? You don't say," Kutcher wrote back , "1. I'm not a billionaire. 2. it extends to my team and people she didn't even know I work with."

"I know I can't speak for anyone else's experience besides my own but I want to acknowledge that I have only ever had positive takeaways from my time with Ellen & on the @theellenshow," the singer tweeted . "I think we all have witnessed the light & continual fight for equality that she has brought to the world through her platform for decades. Sending you love & a hug, friend @TheEllenShow."

"It's crazy to see my friend go thru what she's going thru publicly," the comedian shared on Instagram . "I have known Ellen for years and I can honestly say that she's one of the dopest people on the fucking planet. She has treated my family and my team with love and respect from day 1. The internet has become a crazy world of negativity....we are falling in love with peoples down fall. It's honestly sad...When did we get here? I stand by the ones that I know and that I love. Looking forward to the future where we get back to loving one another....this hate shit has to stop. Hopefully it goes out of style soon....This post is not meant to disregard the feelings of others and their experiences....It's simply to show what my experiences have been with my friend. Love you for life Ellen..."

"Hey Guys, I hope you are all keeping safe out there during these trying times," the DJ wrote on Instagram . "I have been getting calls asking me about the Ellen Degeneres Show and I would like to address the time I spent there. I was on air talent from 2003-2006 and from 2007 -2013. While I am grateful for the opportunity it afforded me, I did experience and feel the toxicity of the environment and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward."

On her Instagram , the Annie Hall  actress shared, "I ALWAYS ENJOYED MY VISITS TO THE ELLEN SHOW. I'VE SEEN HOW THE AUDIENCE EXUDES HAPPINESS AND GRATITUDE. SHE GIVES BACK TO SO MANY INCLUDING ME."

"Sorry but it comes from the top ⁦@TheEllenShow Know more than one who were treated horribly by her," the  Everybody Loves Raymond star tweeted .

"People love to take shots at people. They love to see people fall. How quickly so many forget. @TheEllenShow is a kind, thoughtful, courageous human being who stands for what is right and highlights on her show the best of us. She has helped change the views for equality,"  Justin Bieber 's manager tweeted . "Needed to say this as I know first hand how she helps so many when we are watching and when we are not. She isn't about what is popular she is about what is right. Sending love to Ellen today."

"I have been patiently waiting for someone with more authority than me to speak up about what a great human being @theellenshow is. I have been very lucky to be on that show many times and I can tell you that it is a very well run machine, everyone was super nice, not just to me but to each other and anyone involved," the polo player stated on Instagram. "I have seen Ellen act not just in her show but in public appearances in theaters where she is nice to absolutely everyone, the guy serving the coffee, the person in the elevator, the security guy and the owner of the venue." He continued, "Everyone loves her because that is who she is. She makes the world a better place for millions of people everyday and we cannot hit her because something may have not been perfect. No one is perfect, and we cannot control everything."

"So I stand for you my friend and I challenge all the amazing people that know you and call you a friend to say who you are. The world has become a very dangerous place because it seems that we cannot make anything right. If I am going to be criticized for defending someone that I think deserves to be defended then so be it. We are all so scared to say what we really think and it seems that we are only relevant if we say whatever the trending social media topic is. So... We love Ellen right?" he concluded.

The actor posted the "I Stand With Ellen" picture with the caption, "Love @TheEllenShow & @portiaderossi Always have. Always will."

Portia de Rossi

"To all our fans....we see you. Thank you for your support. #stopbotattacks," the  Arrested Development   captioned an "I Stand With Ellen" quote card.

The Australian radio host detailed his alleged experience with DeGeneres and her producers in a recent segment of his show. He described the encounter as "bizarre," adding, "I'm not blaming Ellen, because I didn't get to talk to her, because I wasn't allowed to. So I don't know whether she's a nice person or not. I wouldn't have a clue. But I can tell you the people who worked with her walked on eggshells the whole time."

"Unpopular opinion: I've worked for @TheEllenShow as a DJ, for her parties, for years and she has ALWAYS been respectful and kind to me," the artist tweeted .

NikkieTutorials

"Call me naive, but I kind of expected to be welcomed with confetti cannons: 'Welcome to The Ellen DeGeneres Show !' But instead I was greeted by an angry intern who was a bit overworked," the makeup artist s aid about her experience on the show. "I was expecting a Disney show, but got Teletubbies after dark."

Ellen DeGeneres Says She Was "Kicked Out of Show Business"

The kardashians' chef k shares her secrets to feeding the whole family.

Ellen DeGeneres says the toxic workplace allegations about her talk show took 'such a toll on my ego'

• Two years after her talk show ended, Ellen DeGeneres launched a stand-up comedy tour.
• In her set, DeGeneres addresses the ending of her show and the toxic workplace allegations it sustained.
• Despite joking about the situation, DeGeneres said the ending of the show was "devastating."

Ellen DeGeneres addressed the end of her long-running talk show "Ellen" on the first night of her stand-up comedy tour — and while she cracked jokes about the experience, she said that it was "devastating."

DeGeneres' daytime talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," ran for 19 seasons from 2003 to 2022. It came to an end about two years after BuzzFeed News reported that some former staffers alleged the show was a toxic workplace , prompting an internal investigation and eventually an apology from DeGeneres.

But, as Rolling Stone reported, DeGeneres doesn't have any desire for "revenge," something that she commented on when an audience member asked her directly if she would seek out those who "wronged" her.

Related stories

"I don't know who wronged me," DeGeneres responded, per Rolling Stone. "I don't even know who these people are, so I can't seek revenge, but I really don't hold onto stuff. It's just not who I am."

The allegations in BuzzFeed's report, as well as other celebrities' testimonials about negative experiences with DeGeneres, contrasted starkly with the host's "be kind" motto.

Now, almost two years after the show's conclusion, she's launched her "Ellen's Last Stand…Up Tour" which kicked off in West Hollywood on Wednesday. And she's got jokes.

"I got kicked out of show business. There's no mean people in show business," DeGeneres joked during the set, according to Rolling Stone.

"The 'be kind' girl wasn't kind. I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps," she said. "Do you know how hard it is to dance up steps? Would a mean person dance up steps? Had I ended my show by saying, 'Go fuck yourself,' people would've been pleasantly surprised."

While DeGeneres made jokes about being ousted from Hollywood for the second time (the first, for those keeping score, came after she came out as a lesbian through her sitcom "Ellen"), she was clear in 2021 that she wasn't ending her show in response to the allegations. At the time, she told The Hollywood Reporter that she simply needed a new "challenge," and that she had already planned to end the show after its 19th season.

But despite the humorous approach, DeGeneres was clear about the impact that the allegations and ending of her show had on her.

"Honestly, I'm making jokes about what happened to me but it was devastating, really," she said, per Rolling Stone. "I just hated the way the show ended. I love that show so much and I just hated that the last time people would see me is that way."

Watch: Week 4 of Johnny Depp trial: Amber Heard claims 'he was punching me repeatedly'

• Main content

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission

Ellen DeGeneres Is Launching Her Comeback

Ellen DeGeneres is on an actual comeback tour. The comedian ended her long-running talk show in 2022, two years after BuzzFeed reporting revealed a toxic work environment fostered by the show’s producers , including allegations of racism, sexual harassment, and “intimidation.” While DeGeneres claimed to have no knowledge of the bad work environment, there was no coming back from the hit. She ended her show and then disappeared for two years to flip houses with Portia . Now, she’s back, and she’s making jokes.

DeGeneres kicked off her Ellen’s Last Stand … Up Tour on Wednesday night in Los Angeles, to an audience that Rolling Stone described as “eager.” The magazine reported that DeGeneres wasted no time getting into the nitty-gritty.

“I used to say that I didn’t care what other people thought of me, and I realized … I said that at the height of my popularity,” DeGeneres said as her opener. Credit where credit is due, that’s a funny line. Elsewhere in her set, she bemoaned her status as a showbiz pariah.

“Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business. There’s no mean people in show business,” she said. “The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps. Do you know how hard it is to dance up steps? Would a mean person dance up steps? Had I ended my show by saying ‘go fuck yourself,’ people would’ve been pleasantly surprised.”

While that would indeed have been surprising, it’s interesting that DeGeneres thinks she was kicked out of show business. Earlier in her set, the comedian reportedly announced that her tour would culminate in a Netflix special. That’s not exactly “kicked out.”

“It’s been such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem,” DeGeneres said of her fall from grace. “There’s such extremes in this business; people either love you and idolize you or they hate you, and those people somehow are louder.”

It’s not all bad for DeGeneres, though. In Rolling Stone ’s report of the evening, the magazine noted she got a standing ovation. After her set, she apparently did a Q&A with the audience, during which people told her how much she meant to them and what her work had done for them and their loved ones. That’s very sweet, but if she’s really committed to being candid, I’m going to need someone to ask DeGeneres about Dakota Johnson .

• ellen degeneres
• stand-up comedy

The Cut Shop

Most viewed stories.

• Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of April 28–May 4
• Is Taylor Swift Really Still Beefing With Kim Kardashian?
• In Defense of Annette Bening’s Face
• What Motherhood Looks Like in ‘Florida!!!’
• A Guide to the Art of Flirting (Over Text)
• The Freelance Journalist Meeting a Fling in Capri

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

• Lower case letters (a-z)
• Upper case letters (A-Z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.

By clicking Sign In, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Sign In Up with your social account

We won't post to any of your accounts

Your password must include:

• Min 8 characters
• Min 1 lowercase character
• Min 1 uppercase character
• Min 1 number

Ellen DeGeneres Jokes About Getting ‘Kicked Out of Show Business’ on New Tour After Talk Show Scandal

Ellen DeGeneres is still reeling from the end of her talk show — which was shrouded in scandal after toxic workplace allegations — but that doesn’t mean she can’t laugh at herself.

When DeGeneres, 66, kicked off her Ellen’s Last Stand … Up Tour on Wednesday, April 24, in West Hollywood, she wasn’t afraid to poke fun at her own career downfall .

“What else can I tell you?” she told the sold-out crowd during the show, according to Rolling Stone , before declaring, “Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business.”

DeGeneres trolled herself, adding, “There’s no mean people in show business.”

Related: Ellen DeGeneres Through the Years: Photos

The comedian teased that her iconic parting line on The Ellen DeGeneres Show , “Be kind to one another,” couldn’t save her from the controversy that engulfed the show in 2020 .

“The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind,” she continued. “I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps. Do you know how hard it is to dance up steps? Would a mean person dance up steps? Had I ended my show by saying, ‘Go f–k yourself,’ people would’ve been pleasantly surprised.”

DeGeneres made headlines in 2020 when she was accused of producing a “ toxic work environment ” during her 19-season run. WarnerMedia launched an investigation that July into the allegations and DeGeneres sent a letter of apology to her staff.

Although she continued to film throughout 2020, DeGeneres announced in 2021 that season 19 would be the last. Her final episode aired in May 2022.

Related: Celebrities React to ‘Ellen’ Allegations

The fallout over how the show concluded and the stain on her reputation is something DeGeneres hasn’t fully moved on from. In fact, she admitted on Wednesday that as she’s looked back she’s realized she was a boss who “didn’t know how to be a boss” despite being the face of the show.

“I didn’t go to business school. I went to Charlie’s Chuckle Hutt,” DeGeneres told the audience, referring to her comedy background. “The show was called Ellen and everybody was wearing T-shirts that said ‘Ellen’ and there were buildings on the Warner Brothers lot that said ‘Ellen,’ but I don’t know that that meant I should be in charge.”

DeGeneres also joked that the talk show drama wasn’t the first time Hollywood pushed her out. In the 1990s, she made waves by announcing on her sitcom, Ellen , that she was gay . The revelation didn’t sit well with the network.

“For those of you keeping score, this is the second time I’ve been kicked out of show business,” she said, sarcastically adding, “Eventually they’re going to kick me out for a third time because I’m mean, old, and gay.”

Related: Ellen DeGeneres’ Most Controversial Moments Over the Years

While DeGeneres had the audience in stitches according to Rolling Stone , much of her set was about the heartbreak of losing The Ellen DeGeneres Show .

“I’m giving stuff away … and I danced, then I was mean and they didn’t like me again,” she said of her downfall. “It’s been such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem. There’s such extremes in this business, people either love you and idolize you or they hate you, and those people somehow are louder.”

You have successfully subscribed.

Subscribe to newsletters

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly

Deal of the Day

Check our latest news in Google News

Check our latest news in Apple News

During an encore, DeGeneres took questions from the audience and opened up even more about her long road back into the spotlight after the talk show drama.

“Honestly, I’m making jokes about what happened to me, but it was devastating, really,” she confessed. “I just hated the way the show ended. I love that show so much and I just hated that the last time people would see me is that way.”

Ellen’s Last Stand … Up Tour continues throughout July along the West Coast, including dates in Washington, Oregon and California.

In this article

Ellen DeGeneres

More stories.

Ellen DeGeneres Opens Up About Challenges in Show Business During Stand-Up Tour

Ellen DeGeneres humorously declared she was “kicked out of show business” during the inaugural show of her “Ellen’s Last Stand…Up Tour” in West Hollywood. Mixing humor with candid reflections, DeGeneres shared her experiences with the audience, as reported by Rolling Stone’s Krystie Lee Yandoli.

DeGeneres, known for her “be kind” persona, joked about the ironies of her public image. “I became this one-dimensional character who just danced up steps and gave stuff away. And let me tell you, dancing up steps is no easy feat! Imagine if I had ended my show with a ‘Go fuck yourself’—now that would have been a surprise,” she quipped.

The comedian touched on the painful end to her long-running daytime talk show, which concluded in May 2021 amid swirling controversies and an internal investigation by Warner Media into allegations of workplace issues. Despite the circumstances, DeGeneres insists these did not influence her decision to end the show.

Reflecting on her leadership style, DeGeneres admitted to her shortcomings as a boss. “I wasn’t cut out for business school—I was a regular at Charlie’s Chuckle Hutt. Just because my name was everywhere at Warner Brothers, didn’t mean I was equipped to be in charge,” she shared humorously.

Ellen also spoke about the emotional rollercoaster of her career, from being ostracized after coming out in the 1990s to reaching new heights with her talk show, and then experiencing a fall from grace. “It’s a tough business. You’re either adored or vilified, and those critics have loud voices,” she explained.

DeGeneres summed up her experiences with a mix of humor and resilience, noting, “For those keeping score, this is my second time getting kicked out of show business. And they’ll probably do it a third time—because I’m mean, old, and gay.”

Fans can look forward to more insights and humor from DeGeneres as her tour special is set to air on Netflix this fall.

Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Her Talk Show Controversy on Stand-Up Tour

Ellen degeneres addresses 'getting kicked out of show business' in stand-up comedy comeback (report), 'rhoc' alum taylor armstrong reacts to shannon beador and john janssen-alexis bellino romance drama, why da'vine joy randolph has her awards season trophies packed away (exclusive), joe alwyn 'not in touch' with taylor swift following 'tortured poets' release (source), anthony ramos & reba mcentire on getting emotional over 'the voice' singers' 'heartbreaking' stories, matthew mcconaughey makes rare red carpet appearance with all 3 kids, jon bon jovi is leaving another tour ‘up to god’ as he recovers from vocal cord surgery (exclusive), king charles returning to royal duties amid cancer battle, colman domingo reacts to rumors he'll replace jonathan majors as mcu's kang (exclusive), madonna pays tribute to her kids for uplifting her following a 'near-death experience', ‘the traitors' star parvati shallow gives update on relationship with ‘perfect’ mae martin (exclusive), phaedra parks confirms ‘married to medicine’ return, hints at ‘rhoa’ reunion with porsha williams, why emma stone wants fans to call her by a different name, ciara shares her weight on a scale after declaring she's trying to lose 70 pounds, reba mcentire spills on reuniting with melissa peterman for new nbc sitcom pilot (exclusive), taraji p. henson on her heartfelt secret to 'staying so young' (exclusive), 'fire country': bode and eve get into heated argument (exclusive), why brandi glanville feels ‘sad’ amid 'rhugt' legal drama (exclusive), 'dance moms' cast slams co-stars who skipped out on reunion special, ‘dance moms: the reunion’: jojo siwa defends abby lee miller's past behavior to co-stars, toxic workplace allegations swirled around 'the ellen degeneres show' in 2020, two years before it came to an end..

Ellen DeGeneres  isn't holding back in her latest stand-up act. Years after controversy swirled due to allegations of a toxic workplace at  The  Ellen DeGeneres Show , the talk show's former host addressed the situation onstage.

"I got kicked out of show business. There's no mean people in show business," DeGeneres said, according to  Rolling Stone . "The 'be kind' girl wasn't kind. I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps."

"Do you know how hard it is to dance up steps? Would a mean person dance up steps?" she questioned. "Had I ended my show by saying, 'Go f**k yourself,' people would've been pleasantly surprised.”

DeGeneres admitted that the situation was "such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem."

"There's such extremes in this business, people either love you and idolize you or they hate you, and those people somehow are louder," she said.

The outlet additionally reported that, during her Wednesday set at the Largo in Los Angeles, DeGeneres said, "I used to say that I didn't care what other people thought of me and I realized…I said that at the height of my popularity. It is such a waste of time to worry about what other people think."

Even so, during a post-show Q&A, DeGeneres revealed that she was in a dark place amid her show's drama and ending.

"It's hard to dance when you're crying," she said of not taking her own advice during her "tough time," which she classified as "a funk," according to  People .

"I'm making jokes about what happened to me, but it was devastating, really," she said, per Rolling Stone . "I just hated the way the show ended. I love that show so much and I just hated that the last time people would see me is that way."

Following the toxic workplace allegations in 2020, DeGeneres issued an on-air apology . Two years later, DeGeneres ended her show after 19 seasons.

"Ellen's last show was emotional for her," a source told ET at the time. "It feels like an end of an era, but she is ready for the next chapter of her life. It feels bittersweet."

Then, a year after  The Ellen DeGeneres Show  came to an end, a source told ET about how the former host was keeping busy.

"Ellen is not retired. She did not renew her show, but she has never not worked," the source said. "Although she has taken some time off from acting, she has a number of brands, an upcoming documentary as part of her Discovery deal, etcetera, that she is working on."

Personally, the source said that DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi , were busy renovating a new house, taking trips, and doing volunteer work.

Updates on Celebrity News, TV, Fashion and More!

RELATED CONTENT:

Ellen DeGeneres Remembers Stephen 'tWitch' Boss 1 Year After His Death

Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi Offer Advice After 19 Years Together

Ellen DeGeneres Celebrates 15th Anniversary With Portia de Rossi

• The Ellen Degeneres Show
• Ellen Degeneres

Latest News