It’s no surprise to anyone that Ellen DeGeneres’ name has been floating around social media a lot these days.
The past few months have seen the public’s critique of the popular daytime TV host. In addition to all the criticism, many of Ellen’s Hollywood friends have stepped in to defend the comedian and explain their side of the story.
As you may know by now, Buzzfeed News published two explosive articles from both current and former *The Ellen Show* employees.
The allegations in the articles included a “toxic” work environment at the hands of Ellen’s executive producers, discrimination and sexual misconduct, among other things.
There has been a significant response from Ellen herself after these claims came to light.
First, she started off by issuing an emotional apology in the form of an email to her staff who worked on The Ellen Show .
She made it clear that she, alongside Warner Bros, had conducted an internal investigation.
“As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or – worse – disregarded. To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me,” she said .
The show also ended up firing three of its producers.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. has confirmed to ET Canada that “Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman have parted ways.”
RELATED STORIES
In addition to the good news, DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss has been promoted to co-executive producer.
Despite steps taken by the show to clear its name, threads of Ellen’s behavior that have been circulating around Twitter since March have continued to make waves.
One tweet that has gained particular traction is a clip montage of Ellen mocking Sofia Vergara’s Colombian accent over and over and over again.
“Ellen making Sofia Vergara pronounce words she can’t in English never sat right with me,” wrote one Twitter user.
“As an immigrant I would always be made fun of for not knowing words or saying some words wrong. Immigrants are smarter than you, respect us,” they concluded .
However, Sofia was quick to step in once the video had gone viral.
She clarified that it was always a comedy bit with Ellen and that she never took offense to the teasing.
“Two comedians having fun with each other to entertain,” Sofia clarified.
“I was never a victim guys, I was always in on the joke,” she said .
The reactions to Sofia’s response have been mixed on social media.
“I understand that sofia vergara tweeted that she was ‘in on the joke’ with ellen making fun of her english but i don’t think that’s the reason everyone was mad. it’s the way white people, who only speak one language, have the audacity to mock POC about their accent-” expressed one Twitter user.
“I don’t know Sofia, watching that montage of all the times Ellen mocked or made fun of your accent really bothered me,” another user replied.
“It is not okay to mock how people speak or their accents, even in fun. Once yes you’re in on the joke but continually? Not okay,” they said .
There were a handful of fans who did agree with Sofia, however.
“Agree Sofia. The political correctness goes to far sometimes. Nobody can take a joke,” one person wrote .
Do you think Sofia’s response was justified?
Or do fans have a right to still be upset by the circulating video?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
