Celebrity2 min(s) read
Published 16:17 21 Sep 2020 GMT
Ellen DeGeneres has repeatedly hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons this summer after several sources alleged that she helped perpetuate a toxic working environment on her eponymous show.
Now, the talk show host has reportedly addressed the toxic workplace scandal in the season 18 premiere of The Ellen Show, after issuing an apology earlier this summer.
"She didn't hold anything back," a source told PEOPLE, referring to DeGeneres' opening monologue.
"It was poignant and funny and very much a candid take on what happened over the summer. She understands her audience wants to hear from her and is looking forward to talking directly to them on Monday."
Among other complaints, Ellen was accused of "mocking" Sofia Vergara's accent:
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According to the source, prior to the new season's premiere, DeGeneres was "connecting with the staff over Zoom" and "knows that it's on her to make sure everyone feels like they're being heard and valued."
The source said that Ellen was supported by her wife Portia de Rossi while hosting the series premier and the crew applauded afterward, with the source saying: "It was an emotional moment for everyone; she thanked everyone."
The controversy surrounding the daytime talk show began earlier this summer when BuzzFeed News published a report in which one current and 10 former staffers opened up anonymously about their experiences on set.
This included claims of racial microaggressions, a fear of punishment for raising complaints about the working environment, and a fear of taking sick leave.
The situation was further worsened by further allegations, and Mariah Carey breaking her silence on her infamous 2008 interview with Ellen.
in which Ellen jokingly pressurizes the singer to open up about a pregnancy that sadly ended in a miscarriage.
The host began by asking the singer to address the rumors that she was expecting a child with her then-husband, Nick Cannon.
Watch the notorious interview below:
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"Don't discuss that…" Carey said, but instead of respecting her wish, Ellen produced a bottle of champagne and two glasses and encouraged the singer to drink.
"I can't believe you did this to me, Ellen…" Carey says.
"What? I'm not going to ask you if you're pregnant," DeGeneres said as she poured Carey a large glass of champagne. "Let's toast to you not being pregnant, if you're not pregnant!"
At the time of the interview, Carey has confirmed that she was indeed pregnant but took a small sip of champagne due to the fact that she wanted to keep her pregnancy a secret.
An investigation was launched into the show in late July which concluded in August and ended with DeGeneres, 62, spoke to her 270 employees via an emotional video conference where she apologized and confirmed that three of the show's top producers, Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman, and Jonathan Norman, had left.
