Ellen DeGeneres is back in the spotlight, trying to make a comeback after her widely publicized downfall in 2020, but the question remains: has she truly earned her way back? Her once-beloved daytime talk show was canceled following allegations of mistreatment toward her staff and a viral awkward exchange with actress Dakota Johnson. Now, Ellen is returning with a new Netflix special, and many are left wondering if she’s genuinely addressing her past or just playing the victim.
The incident with Dakota Johnson became a turning point. In a now-infamous moment, Ellen questioned why she wasn’t invited to Dakota’s birthday party. Johnson swiftly corrected her, stating that she had invited Ellen, but Ellen didn’t show up. This exchange painted a picture of Ellen that many hadn’t seen before—an image of someone attempting to manipulate the narrative to play the victim. From that point on, the public began to hear stories of Ellen’s alleged behind-the-scenes behavior, with several former employees and insiders revealing that she wasn’t the “be kind” persona she portrayed on television.
A former staffer’s testimony added fuel to the fire, claiming that employees were instructed not to make eye contact with Ellen in the hallways—a story that was echoed by several others. These revelations started a media storm, with headlines branding Ellen as a toxic boss and a far cry from the friendly face she presented to the world. While Ellen issued apologies, they seemed to fall flat in the court of public opinion.
Now, Ellen is stepping back into the entertainment world with a Netflix special. In the promo, she reflects on her situation, but instead of showing humility, she claims she was “run out of Hollywood.” For someone with a net worth of over $450 million, according to Forbes, it’s hard for the public to sympathize with her supposed victimhood. In the preview, Ellen even addresses the criticisms by saying, “Had I ended my show by saying ‘Go f*** yourselves,’ people would’ve been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind.” This response has only fueled more criticism, with many calling it disingenuous and tone-deaf.
Some argue that Ellen’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a comedian who came out as a lesbian at a time when it wasn’t widely accepted in Hollywood, she faced significant hurdles. ABC, her former network, reportedly told her not to come out publicly, and for years, Ellen was forced to hide her true identity. That kind of suppression, critics note, could understandably lead to anger and resentment. But does that justify mistreating others or failing to acknowledge one’s own faults?
As Ellen seeks redemption, the larger issue is whether or not she has truly apologized and taken responsibility for her behavior. Forgiveness is a key part of American culture, but without a real apology, can she expect to win back her audience? Her Netflix special doesn’t seem to offer much in the way of humility or accountability, which leaves many skeptical about her motives.
While there are some who believe that everyone deserves a second chance, it’s clear that Ellen’s path to redemption won’t be easy. Her past behavior has left a bad taste in the mouths of many who once admired her, and her comeback may be seen as a product of privilege rather than personal growth.
Only time will tell if Ellen DeGeneres can truly rehabilitate her image, but for now, her return has sparked more questions than answers.
