Some viewers weren’t happy about Ellen DeGeneres' seemingly off comments on the latest episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The comedian chatted to Kimmel about hosting a talk show during the pandemic, as well as discussing her personal life with wife Portia de Rossi. She looked rather uncomfortable and failed to address the workplace abuse claims made against her.
Ellen DeGeneres Casually Talks About Jimmy Kimmel’s Staff In Awkward Interview
Last year, DeGeneres made headlines when current and former employees of her daytime show called her out for fostering a toxic workplace.
In an exposé published by BuzzFeed in July 2020, DeGeneres’ employees say they faced racism, fear, and intimidation behind the scenes.
At the beginning of the segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the guest seemed a little confused about Kimmel having a live audience in the studio.
"Who are these people?” she asked.
Kimmel explained the people social distancing in the audience were part of the show's staff.
“Ellen showing visible confusion because Jimmy actually values his staff,” one user commented on YouTube.
Kimmel's Viewers Slam Him And Ellen For Not Addressing Abuse Claims
Some viewers slammed Ellen for focusing on Kimmel’s staff in what seemed a stilted manner.
“Funny enough, the first thing she does is talk about his staff. Then she talks about his and her staff. […] Damn. Seems like they didn't plan this at all. Just casually let her talk about her staff. Wow. She really does care. lol,” was one comment on YouTube.
"She’s so stilted in her mannerisms and speech. She mentioned not sleeping twice. Wonder why,” another user wrote.
DeGeneres then asked Kimmel if there were his writers in the audience.
“Because they will laugh more at you than me because they’re your writers,” she added.
“Her commenting on how he will get more laughs than her: remember a comment from a celebrity stating no one was allowed to get more laughs than her, she would get so mad,” one user commented.
Kimmel also didn't address the workplace abuse claims with DeGeneres. Some criticized his treatment of DeGeneres on socials, blaming him for giving her a pass.
“I know there are far bigger things to worry about in the world rn but this type of sh*t shouldn't fly anymore,” The Daily Beast entertainment editor tweeted.
"Of course Ellen, of the @TheEllenShow, got a pass from @jimmykimmel. They're old pals. What else is new," was another comment.