Ellen, the long-running daytime television show hosted by Ellen DeGeneres will end next year due to allegations of bullying and toxic work environment.
DeGeneres appeared to confirm the decision in an article on Wednesday in the Hollywood Reporter, which stated she would be discussing it during her show on Thursday.
“When you’re a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged – and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge any more,” DeGeneres said.
Ellen DeGeneres succeeded Oprah Winfrey as the most recognizable face in American daytime television. But the comedian’s reputation as the ‘Queen of Nice’ has taken a beating over the past 13 months due to accusations that her guests are bullied and her staff is abused.
Staffers complained of callous treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic, including slashing their pay, leaving them uninformed and hiring replacement workers to build a set in the star’s home so taping of the show could resume.
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Former employees made allegations of racist comments and sexual harassment by management, as well as being fired after taking bereavement leave.
“When you’re a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged – and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge any more,” DeGeneres said.
The New York Times reported in March that since ‘The Ellen Show’ returned for its 18th season last September, it was averaging 1.5 million viewers, down from 2.6 million the previous season. Ad revenue from September through January was down 20%, at $105 million.
Critics of the show suggested that its downfall began before employee allegations surfaced.
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