The Ellen Show has found itself at the center of controversy in recent weeks after staff members working on the program alleged that they had been mistreated.
DeGeneres has since issued a public apology over the reports of mistreatment and misconduct on The Ellen Show. A portion of the apology reads:
"On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect."
She continues: "Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry.
"Anyone who knows me knows it's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show."
Since then, many people have spoken out on the issues surrounding the show - both in support of Ellen and against the cultural behavior that allegedly pervaded the show.
And now, even a resurfaced tweet is enough to spark a fresh debate surrounding the host. The tweet in question dates way back to 2009, when DeGeneres wrote, "I made one of my employees cry like a baby on today’s show. Honestly, it felt good."
Naturally, many people seized upon the tweet as yet more evidence of a negative workplace culture at The Ellen Show, though others pointed out that it was likely a reference to employee Jeannie Klisiewicz.
Now, The Independent reports that in 2009, Jeannie received the gift of a cruise for working on the show for a year.
The segment can be seen below:Representatives for Ellen confirmed to Indy100 that the tweet in question was indeed about Jeannie Klisiewicz.
Jeannie was also moved to tears by Ellen in another segment for the show two years ago, in which she received a brand new car and her own seat in the audience for working 10 years on the show.
During the heartwarming segment, Jeannie says:
"I have the best job in the whole world, and getting to work for you and work with all these people... [Ellen] is just the best and it just trickles down to every person that we work with. It's the best place."
No matter the supposedly wholesome nature of the truth of the tweet, its wording certainly didn't age well in the light of recent allegations.
Singer Katy Perry recently spoken out in defense of her friend with the pregnant 35-year-old taking to Twitter to assert that she has only had positive experiences with Ellen.
"I know I can’t speak for anyone else’s experience besides my own but I want to acknowledge that I have only ever had positive takeaways from my time with Ellen & on the @theellenshow," Perry wrote on Twitter.
"I think we all have witnessed the light & continual fight for equality that she has brought to the world through her platform for decades. Sending you love & a hug, friend @TheEllenShow."
And her brother, Vance DeGeneres, has also taken to social media to post a message of support for his sister.
He started by writing: "Ok, I need to say something. My sister is being viciously attacked. And let me assure you - it is all bulls**t."
He continued: "I put up a simple statement yesterday that said 'I stand by Ellen.' Only a handful of my Facebook 'friends' responded to it.
"If you don't support Ellen, then you don't support me, so please unfriend me. I'm sick and tired of my sister being attacked.
"She always has - and always will - stand against bullying of any kind. She's a smart, strong woman who has made a positive difference in the world. And to my friends who did respond with support for Ellen and my family, thank you so much. It means a lot."
