Two years have elapsed since 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' gracefully bowed out, and now, Ellen DeGeneres candidly opens up about the profound toll the toxic workplace accusations levied against her had on her mental well-being. These allegations, first exposed in a BuzzFeed News report in July 2020, found their way into the comedian's heartfelt finale on Netflix, 'Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,' premiering on September 24th, 2023.
"I rejoice in the simplicity of being just a person, unencumbered by the titles of boss, brand, or billboard," shared DeGeneres, whose talk show captivated audiences for 19 seasons, spanning from 2003 to 2022. "A multifaceted individual with a tapestry of emotions—joy, sorrow, empathy, and frustration intertwined. I embrace my OCD and ADD openly, my honesty and generosity, my sensitivity coupled with thoughtfulness. Yet, I am also resilient, impatient, demanding, and unapologetically direct. I am a woman of strength."
Amid thunderous applause and a standing ovation, she mouthed "thank you" to the audience, proudly declaring, "I am proud of the person I've become."
"As a public figure, you become a canvas for everyone's interpretation," she continued, wisdom etched on her face. "Remember that saying, 'What others think of me is none of my concern'? It's true. Words will fly, and you can't control them. But hold tight to the truth, for that's all that truly matters."
DeGeneres reminisced about the comedic arena, where "people's opinions dictated success." "Liking you meant you were in; disliking you, out. I've spent a lifetime striving to please, caring too deeply about what others thought. The idea that anyone could see me as unkind shattered me, a burden I bore for far too long," she said, acknowledging the clarity that age has brought.
"After a lifetime of such concern, I've reached a point where I can't do it anymore. So, I don't. But if I'm being brutally honest... given the choice between being remembered as someone perceived as mean or as a beloved figure, I choose the latter, wholeheartedly, beloved."
Despite the allegations surfacing nearly two years before her show's finale in May 2022, DeGeneres previously clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that they did not influence her decision to bring the curtain down. Now, 'Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval' is available for streaming on Netflix, offering a poignant glimpse into the heart and soul of a comedic legend.
