Ellen DeGeneres, once celebrated for her talk show’s positive and kind image, faced a significant downfall in 2020 as reports emerged about a toxic workplace culture behind the scenes.

The comedian Kevin T Porter’s tweet sparked a flood of responses from people sharing stories of Ellen’s alleged mean-spirited behavior. Several former employees revealed their unpleasant experiences, citing instances of racism, fear, and intimidation.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Ellen faced criticism for her treatment of crew members, who reportedly received no communication about their working hours or pay for over a month. The show continued without them being informed, and when details emerged, the crew faced a 60% reduction in pay. This further tarnished Ellen’s image, especially compared to other talk show hosts who supported their staff during the pandemic.

More disturbingly, BuzzFeed published articles unveiling sexual misconduct and harassment allegations against top producers on The Ellen Show. Kevin Leman, Ed Glavin, and Jonathan Norman faced accusations of inappropriate behavior, with claims ranging from soliciting sexual favors to creating a hostile work environment. Although Warner Bros. conducted an internal investigation and fired these producers, Ellen had to issue a public apology, taking responsibility for the workplace issues.

Despite her apology, Ellen’s show faced a decline in viewership during its 18th season. The controversies continued, with reports of Ellen struggling to book high-profile guests and secure sponsors. In 2021, Ellen announced that the 19th season would be her last, citing it as a personal decision unrelated to the previous year’s drama.

The negative news continued even after the show’s conclusion. In 2022, rising kid star Grayson Trance, whom Ellen had mentored in 2010, came forward with allegations of mistreatment. Grayson described Ellen as controlling and degrading, claiming she abruptly cut ties after his EP underperformed.

Ellen’s fall from grace highlights the stark contrast between her public persona and the alleged reality of her behavior. Despite years of positive contributions, her legacy is now tainted by the numerous accounts of mistreatment and toxicity that emerged during the tumultuous period.