Ellen DeGeneres addresses workplace controversy in the premiere of Season 18. The comedian-actress addressed allegations of workplace toxicity and her not being genuine right off the bat at the season premiere of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

During the summer, multiple media and social media sources claim allegations of workplace environment on the talk show. Ten former employees and one current staff regarding subtle racial discrimination, getting penalized for taking leaves, and being unable to raise complaints. There were also reports that the host was not the "Be Kind" lady that she appears to be on screen.

DeGeneres addressed the complaints directly and is looking forward to an improved workplace environment with vigor and enthusiasm. Before starting the season, she connected with the staff via Zoom to hear everyone out and make them feel valued. The show's top producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman, and Jonathan Norman, left the program after the investigation made by Warner Brothers.

It appears that the staff is now happy to get back to work. Though they are currently taking it slowly, some can confirm that the environment is already lighter than before.

Ellen DeGeneres Addresses and Apologizes for Workplace Toxicity: Will She Be Forgiven?
(Photo : Getty Images)

DeGeneres also addressed the claim that she is wearing a façade. The talk show host wanted to "Be Kind" after a gay individual took his own life after getting bullied. She believes that the world needs more kindness, so she tries her best to help other people and show empathy. However, she admits that she gets sad and frustrated sometimes but is willing to work on her behavior.

The season premiere, aka on-air apology, was uploaded on the YouTube channel for the show. It currently has over 1 million views, 18 thousand likes, 22 thousand dislikes, and 6 thousand comments. Looking at the like to dislike ratio and reading the comments, one can assume that not everyone is convinced of DeGeneres' apology yet. Only time will tell if she will be given a chance to redeem herself.

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