Ellen DeGeneres Wasn't Genuine In Her Past Apologies Over Toxic Workplace, Body Language Expert Claims
Ellen DeGeneres joked about being "kicked out of show business" in a recent gig, prompting a body language expert to claim she wasn't serious in her past apologies.
DeGeneres performed her latest stand-up routine at the Largo in Los Angeles, California, on April 24. During her show, the "Ellen DeGeneres Show" host mentioned that she was "kicked out of show business" for being "mean," People reported.
Darren Stanton, a body language and behavioral expert who has been featured on TV and radio programs, weighed in on DeGeneres' statement. The TV's human lie detector claimed that DeGeneres appeared insincere in her previous apologies after her recent joke.
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"This week, I'm looking at Ellen DeGeneres and her body language, which shows what she's thinking about on the inside. Something I always look for is something called 'statement analysis.' That's not just what someone does with their body. It's also how they speak," Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet.
"In a recent stand-up gig, she was reported to have commented that she was 'kicked out of show business.' Now that tells me she's taken no ownership and no authenticity of the apologies she's made on previous occasions."
Stanton felt that DeGeneres was not taking accountability for her behavior as she was seemingly blaming other people for her show's cancellation. She also allegedly distanced herself from the issue as if she wasn't part of the crisis that led to the demise of her longtime-running TV program.
"It's creating a psychological distance from her and why the show was canceled. Also, the fact that she holds other people for her demise in show business by saying, 'I was kicked out,' implies she had no part in her demise," Stanton concluded.
DeGeneres' joke about being "mean" was a reference to a BuzzFeed News report published in July 2020 when staffers of her show came forward and spoke anonymously about their experiences on set. They claimed that there were racial microaggressions, and they were penalized for taking medical leave. They also feared retribution for raising complaints.
DeGeneres apologized after learning about the staffers' complaints.
"I take this very seriously, and I want to say I'm so sorry to the people it affected," DeGeneres said when she returned to TV for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Season 18, following the toxic work environment complaints, in September 2020.
She added that they had an investigation that led to "necessary changes" being made. Three top show producers were also fired following claims of misconduct.
The 66-year-old celebrity apologized in an email to her staff shortly after the BuzzFeed News report was published. She assured them she was "committed to ensuring this does not happen again" and apologized again when she met her team in August of the same year, per the BBC.
The "Ellen DeGeneres Show" was renewed for Season 19, which also served as its last run after airing for nearly two decades. It aired its final episode on May 26, 2022.
