In 2020, Ellen DeGeneres got canceled after allegations that her show has a "toxic work environment." A number of employees spoke out about the host's fake "be kind" persona.
But long before that, Megan Fox had already exposed the comedian's "bossy" attitude, right on her show... Here's how.
Inside Ellen DeGeneres' Toxic Workplace Scandal
In July 2020, Buzzfeed released an article where former employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show opened up about experiencing racism in their workplace. A former staffer revealed that a senior-level producer once commented on her and another co-worker's hair, saying: "Oh wow, you both have box braids; I hope we don't get you confused."
Another ex-employee said: "That 'be kind' bulls--t only happens when the cameras are on. It's all for show. I know they give money to people and help them out, but it's for show."
"Some of the producers talk openly in public about addiction and mental health awareness, but they're the reason there's a stigma. They definitely don't practice what they preach with the 'be kind' mantra."
Another ex-staffer said that it was a battle requesting a medical leave after suffering from a car accident, as well as taking three days off to travel for a family member's funeral. "That's the definition of a toxic work environment, where they make you feel like you're going insane and then you're like, no, everything I was feeling was right. It was all leading up to this," they said.
How Megan Fox Warned Us Against Ellen DeGeneres' Scandal
A decade ago, Fox appeared on Ellen to read the host's astrological birth chart. "Do you find that you're very independent?" asked the Transformers star after DeGeneres said she's an Aquarius whose moon sign is Aries. The latter answered with a hard "no," to which Fox followed up with "Bossy?" and "Controlling?"
The host answered "no" to both, but fans were quick to slam her in the comments.
"Ellen was very dishonest with her answers," one wrote, "considering the scandal revolving around her abusing her wife, Portia. She was unnecessarily condescending and dismissive towards Megan."
Another one said that the New Girl alum "was right the entire time." In March 2020, comedian Kevin T. Porter asked Twitter to share stories about DeGeneres being mean. TV writer, Benjamin Siemon joined the thread, saying the host "has a 'sensitive nose' so everyone must chew gum from a bowl outside her office before talking to her and if she thinks you smell that day you have to go home and shower." Well, that sounds bossy and controlling...
Other celebrities have also called out DeGeneres in public. There's that time Dakota Johnson slammed the host after the latter claimed she wasn't invited to the Fifty Shades of Grey actress' birthday, only to be exposed for turning down the invite. Kathy Griffin also has a long-running feud with DeGeneres over the latter being "mean" to her.
Where Is Ellen DeGeneres Now?
In May 2022, DeGeneres' show finally wrapped after the attacks on its "toxic work environment." These days, she spends most of her time relaxing at her home in Montecito, California home with her wife Portia de Rossi.
She remains active on social media, but only to share throwbacks from her favorite interviews. She also took to Instagram to express her grief on the passing of her longtime DJ and close friend Stephen "tWitch" boss in December 2022.
"I'm heartbroken," she wrote at that time. "tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."
Early in February 2023, DeGeneres and de Rossi renewed their vows after 14 years of marriage. The Kardashian-Jenner's matriarch, Kris Jenner was there to officiate the ceremony. "Welcome to Portia's birthday party and to the newest home of one of my favorite couples, two of my BFs and the record holders for the most homes ever purchased in one city, ever. Literally," the momager read off a paper.
"These two are couple goals who continue to amaze me with how cute they are together. A match made in heaven," she continued. "Two peas in a pod. Their love and commitment to one another is amazing and it makes me so happy that they have each other to love and cherish and grow old with." The couple originally got married in 2008 at their Beverly Hills home.