Ellen DeGeneres Opens Up About Backlash

In her highly anticipated Netflix stand-up special, former daytime talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres bravely opened up about the emotional toll she faced after the backlash surrounding her talk show, which was marred by allegations of a toxic workplace.

A Journey Through Therapy

The special, titled For Your Approval, dives deep into DeGeneres' experience of feeling "canceled." She revealed that she sought therapy to help manage the overwhelming negativity directed at her. “I was in therapy for a while trying to deal with all the hatred that was coming at me. It was not a common situation for a therapist to deal with,” Ellen shared candidly.

Humor in Difficult Times

Reflecting on her therapy sessions, she talked about a particularly revealing moment with her therapist who questioned, “Ellen, where do you get this idea that everyone hates you?”

DeGeneres humorously recounted her answer, listing various media outlets that had been critical of her, including The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. “I think Elmo may have said something recently on an episode of Sesame Street too,” she joked, highlighting the bizarre nature of being scrutinized in the public eye.

The Aftermath of Her Show

She continued the conversation, explaining how even though she tried to stay away from the news, she would receive texts from friends offering support, reminding her of the situation. The comedian also reflected on the end of her talk show, joking that she “got kicked out of show business,” and commented on the stigma surrounding her “be kind” mantra.

“The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind – that was the headline,” she quipped, elaborating on how her image as a kind person contrasted sharply with the accusations leveled against her.

Irony of Kindness

Ellen poignantly mentioned how her approach to closing her show with a call for kindness may have backfired. "Had I ended my show by saying, ‘go f*** yourselves,’ people would’ve been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind,” she said, emphasizing the irony of the situation.

Reflection and Moving Forward

This special not only highlights DeGeneres' struggles but also serves as a reminder of the immense pressure public figures face in the age of social media. As she navigates this chapter of her life, Ellen's openness about her journey to heal and reflect resonates with audiences, especially in discussions about mental health and the impact of public scrutiny.

Fans and critics alike are eager to see how DeGeneres will continue to evolve in her career following this moment of vulnerability and honesty. Will she make a triumphant return to the spotlight, or is this the beginning of a different path? Stay tuned!