Can we just move on now that Ellen DeGeneres has apologised?

By Nina Steele 

They say you know who your true friends are when you get in real trouble and boy, how true has that been for Ellen DeGeneres. I was quite disappointed by the way some well-known celebrities came forward to speak ill of her, even though the same people had been on her show many times to promote their work. It is as if they were hoping that this crisis would be the end of her. Well now that she is back for the 18th season of her show and has apologised, can we please move on?

In her apology, Ellen said: “As you may have heard this summer, there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show. There was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously and wanna say that I am so sorry to the people who were affected. I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and I realise that with that come responsibility, and I take responsibility with what happened on my show”. She goes to say: “We have made the necessary changes and today, we are starting a new chapter”.

There are of course those for whom her apology won’t work. Soon after her show aired, there were already people complaining about the manner in which the apology was made. They were referring to the fact that she made jokes while doing it. Well, anyone who has followed her for a while, knows that it is her style. She always makes jokes regardless of the subject matter. That people are now trying to use that against her, says more about them.

Obviously, the fact that she is very wealthy has something to do with it. This is a very difficult time for many people, and so, some are taking their frustration out on those they see as having it easy. Even so, hating on Ellen because of everything going on right now isn’t going to make things better. Yes, some of the accusations made against her show are quite serious. But again, she has apologised and has made the necessary changes so these issues don’t happen again going forward. What else do her critics want?

Having a go at people just because they are successful isn’t going to help anyone. There is a lot of that going on online these days. The haters will always hate. I am glad that in spite of all the negativity and character assassination, network bosses have chosen to stick with her.

Referring to stories about her not being as kind in real life as her show portrays her to be, Ellen said: “Being known as the ‘Be Kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in. The truth is, I am that person that you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things. Sometimes I get sad. I get mad. I get anxious. I get frustrated. I get impatient. And I am working on all of that. I am a work in progress”. Well, aren’t we all a work in progress? We are all fallible and Ellen is no different. I am with her, and hope many others are too.