Ellen DeGeneres gracefully returned to the world of stand-up comedy as a platform to address the tumultuous waters she's been navigating in the entertainment landscape. On Monday, July 1, during her Santa Rosa performance, the former daytime talk show maven candidly reflected on the whispers surrounding her questionable past actions. She even divulged her thoughts on the prospect of bidding farewell to showbiz entirely.
"I am a mosaic of traits, but malice is not one of them," DeGeneres declared to the captivated audience, as reported by SFGate. Since April 24, she has embarked on her 'Ellen's Last Stand…Up' Tour, a triumphant return to the comedy stage after the conclusion of her long-running talk show, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', which bid farewell to airwaves in May 2022 after nearly two decades of entertaining audiences.
"I once boasted, 'I couldn't care less what people think of me,'" DeGeneres reminisced. "Yet, I realize now that I uttered those words during the zenith of my popularity." The show's demise was inextricably linked to accusations levied against DeGeneres by former guests and crew members, alleging a toxic work environment fostered by the host. Racism, sexual misconduct, and intimidation were among the distasteful behaviors cited by victims and witnesses. Additionally, crew members vented their grievances regarding the production's mishandling of compensation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as revealed by Variety.
"I can be exacting, impatient, and unyielding. I am a woman of steel," she confessed to the audience on Monday evening. Moreover, she's unafraid to face the music. Throughout her comedy tour, which she confirmed will be her swan song, DeGeneres has created an open dialogue, engaging in post-performance Q&A sessions with her eager fans.
In response to a probing inquiry from an audience member during her Monday performance, Ellen DeGeneres disclosed her intention to vanish from the public radar following the culmination of her stand-up special. The inquisitive fan inquired if audiences could anticipate her appearance on "Broadway or the silver screen." DeGeneres retorted, with finality, "No. This marks the last time you'll behold me. Upon the premiere of my Netflix special, my curtain call will ring." While the streaming giant has validated the imminent arrival of the stand-up special, a precise release date remains shrouded in mystery. As DeGeneres draws near the conclusion of her entertainment journey, her show and significant chunk of her fanbase have departed, yet she has steadfastly upheld her wit and humor. On the inaugural night of her tour, she candidly addressed the audience, "For those keeping tabs, this is the second time I've been evicted from the showbiz realm. Inevitably, they'll evict me for a third time, for being mean, old, and gay."
