Ellen DeGeneres Says She "Didn't Understand" Toxic Workplace Allegations

Ellen DeGeneres says she "didn't understand" toxic workplace allegations made by the people who used to work on her show, adding that all she hears from the guests is that it is "a happy place."

Ellen and her program were under fire last year after several employees claimed they experienced racism, fear, and intimidation while working on the show.

Although some of the workers have clarified that the accusations are directed towards the executive producers and other senior staff members and not Ellen herself, the comedian's reputation still suffered.

Now, looking back at the harrowing point of her life, Ellen says that she still doesn't understand the allegations and that the attacks felt "too orchestrated".

"I really didn't understand it. I still don't understand it. I thought something was going on that... because it was too orchestrated. It was too coordinated," Ellen told NBC's Today.

"And people get picked on, but for four months straight for me, and then for me to read in the press about a toxic work environment when all I've ever heard from every guest that comes on the show is what a happy atmosphere this is and what a happy place it is."

Ellen's statement came after the comedian announced that her long-running talk show, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', is coming to an end in 2022. 

Ellen clarified that the allegations have nothing to do with her decision to end the show after its upcoming 19th season. Although, she admits that the experience was truly devastating and made her think about not coming back.

“If it was why I was quitting, I would have not come back this year,” Ellen said.

“I really did think about not coming back because…it was devastating. I am a kind person. I am a person who likes to make people happy. I just kept saying to [wife] Portia [de Rossi], ‘If I was a fan of somebody and even if I loved them, I would think there must be some truth to it, because it’s not stopping.’ Right on the heels of that, I read in the press that there’s a toxic work environment, which I had no idea, never saw anything that would even point to that.”

Speaking about her decision to conclude the show after 19 years, Ellen told The Hollywood Reporter that the program does not challenge her anymore. 

"When you're a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged - and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it's just not a challenge anymore."

'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' debuted on September 8, 2003. It has recorded more than 3000 episodes after almost 2 decades on the air.