Despite apologizing and addressing the allegations on her show, Ellen’s ratings and revenue plummeted, and former colleagues and celebrities spoke out, casting doubt on her long-held persona of kindness.

Once hailed as the epitome of kindness in daytime television, Ellen DeGeneres has seen her reputation crumble under the weight of allegations and revelations that paint a starkly different picture of the beloved host.

For years, Ellen was not just a talk show host; she was a brand, a symbol of joy and inclusivity. However, recent events have illuminated the darker side of her persona, leading to a public reckoning that has left many questioning the authenticity of her carefully crafted image.

The unraveling of Ellen’s reputation began with a seemingly innocuous moment on her show in 2019.

During an interview with actress Dakota Johnson, Ellen teased Johnson about not being invited to her birthday party. In a surprising turn, Johnson pushed back, stating, “Actually, no, that’s not the truth.

Ellen, you were invited.” This exchange, which initially appeared to be light-hearted, quickly became a viral sensation. Social media erupted with discussions about Ellen’s demeanor, with many fans expressing their discomfort at what they perceived as a mean streak.

The incident opened the floodgates for scrutiny, prompting viewers to revisit past clips of Ellen’s interactions with guests, many of which revealed a pattern of dismissive and condescending behavior.

As the conversation around Ellen intensified, a 2020 BuzzFeed News exposé brought to light the toxic workplace environment behind the scenes of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

Current and former staffers described a culture that contradicted the show’s public persona, citing instances of bullying, microaggressions, and a lack of empathy from management.

One former employee recounted being fired for taking medical leave, while others shared stories of being reprimanded for taking bereavement leave after family deaths.

The allegations painted a picture of a workplace where kindness was a facade, and fear reigned. This shocking revelation not only tarnished Ellen’s image but also led to an internal investigation by Warner Media.

In September 2020, Ellen returned to her show for its 18th season, addressing the allegations head-on. “I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected,” she stated, acknowledging the privilege and responsibility that came with her position.

Despite her attempts at contrition, the damage was done. Viewership plummeted, with ratings dropping from 2.6 million to just 1.5 million by March 2021.

Advertisers followed suit, with revenue sinking from approximately $131 million to a mere $15 million. Ellen’s brand of kindness, once a beacon of hope, had become a source of irony and ridicule.

The backlash against Ellen reached a fever pitch when former colleagues and celebrities began to speak out.

Comedian Brad Garrett, known for his role on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” tweeted, “Sorry, but it comes from the top at the Ellen show. No more than one who were treated horribly by her. Common knowledge.”

His words echoed the sentiments of many who felt betrayed by the image Ellen had cultivated. Actress Leah Thompson also chimed in, validating Garrett’s claims, further fueling the narrative that Ellen’s kindness was merely a performance.

As Ellen attempted to stage a comeback with a Netflix special, the public’s response was mixed. In a recent episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Kelly invited comedian Rob Schneider to discuss Ellen’s return to the spotlight.

The two dissected Ellen’s narrative of victimhood, with Kelly asserting, “I know a guy whose sister works for her, who said you’re not allowed to make eye contact with Ellen in the halls of that show.”

Schneider added that while Ellen’s past struggles with her sexuality were real, they did not excuse her treatment of others.

Their candid conversation resonated with viewers, highlighting the disconnect between Ellen’s public persona and her alleged behavior behind the scenes.

The irony of Ellen’s situation is striking. For years, she built her empire on the mantra of kindness, making viewers feel as though they were friends with someone who genuinely cared.

However, as the layers of her image peeled away, many felt a profound sense of betrayal. The public’s trust was shattered, not just in Ellen as a television host but in the very ideals she once represented.

The pandemic further exacerbated the situation, as Ellen’s attempts to relate to her audience from her luxurious mansion fell flat, leading to accusations of tone-deafness amid global struggles.

In May 2021, Ellen announced that the 19th season would be her last, framing the decision as a creative choice rather than a response to the scandals surrounding her.

“When you’re a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged,” she explained, though many in the media saw her departure as a necessary retreat from a collapsing empire.

The final episode aired on May 26, 2022, where she delivered an emotional farewell, urging viewers to be their true selves. However, the sentiment felt hollow to many who had witnessed the unraveling of her brand.

Ellen DeGeneres’s journey from daytime television’s darling to a symbol of hypocrisy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of performative kindness.

In an age where social media amplifies every misstep, the gap between public persona and private behavior can lead to swift and brutal consequences.

As Ellen steps away from the spotlight, her legacy remains complicated, a reminder that authenticity must align with public image.

The question now lingers: could Ellen have salvaged her reputation had she embraced accountability sooner? Or was her downfall inevitable in a world quick to expose the truth?

The answers may lie in the stories still being told, as the fallout from Ellen’s reign continues to ripple through Hollywood and beyond.