Ellen DeGeneres Gets Real: The "Mean" Label That Left Her Devastated
Ellen DeGeneres is pulling back the curtain on the emotional toll of being labeled “mean” in her final Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, which premiered on September 24, 2024. The 66-year-old comedian opened up about the fallout from workplace toxicity allegations that surfaced in 2020, a revelation that dramatically impacted her mental health.
Reflecting on her journey, DeGeneres expressed, “I’m happy not being a boss or a brand or a billboard, just a person.” The former talk show host, known for her 19-season run on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, emphasized the complexity of her identity. “I can be happy and sad and compassionate or frustrated,” she shared. “But I’m tough, and I’m impatient, and I’m demanding. I’m direct. I’m a strong woman.”
In a candid moment, she admitted that the perception of her being mean was “devastating” and “consumed” her for a long time. “If they like you, you’re in, and if they don’t, you’re out,” she explained, highlighting the pressure public figures face to please others. DeGeneres has spent a lifetime trying to make people happy, but the thought of being remembered as mean was particularly painful for her.
Addressing her audience, she quipped, “I choose to be remembered as someone who is beloved,” before playfully reiterating the word “beloved” multiple times, showcasing her signature humor even when discussing serious topics. Her honesty resonated, earning her a standing ovation from the audience.
DeGeneres also acknowledged that as she ages, she’s gained perspective. “After a lifetime of caring, I just can’t anymore,” she confessed, indicating a shift in her priorities and a desire to focus on her authentic self rather than public perception.
Although her talk show ended in May 2022—shortly after the allegations came to light—DeGeneres previously stated that these claims did not influence her decision to conclude the series. Instead, she’s focusing on her personal growth and reconnecting with what truly matters to her.
Ellen’s special invites viewers to reflect on the weight of public scrutiny while embracing vulnerability. As she steps away from the spotlight, DeGeneres leaves behind a legacy that mixes laughter, honesty, and a dose of heartfelt self-discovery. Catch her final special now streaming on Netflix!
