Additional Coverage:
- Ellen DeGeneres’ staffers were ‘scared to death’ while working on her show, former guest says (the-independent.com)
Comedian Adam Carolla Paints Unflattering Picture of Ellen DeGeneres and Her Show’s Atmosphere
Comedian Adam Carolla recently shared some harsh words about his experience on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, claiming the atmosphere behind the scenes was one of fear and intimidation. During an appearance on Emily Jashinsky’s podcast, After Party, Carolla recounted a visit to the show 13 years ago, where he felt staff were noticeably uneasy.
He described a segment producer repeatedly warning him against discussing “meat or beef,” a request Carolla found oddly specific and indicative of a tense environment. He went on to say that a writer for the show, who had signed a non-disclosure agreement, confided in him later, allegedly calling DeGeneres the “worst person” they’d ever met.
Carolla contrasted this with his experiences on the sets of Jimmy Kimmel and Jay Leno, describing their staffs as relaxed due to the hosts’ more agreeable personalities. He concluded that DeGeneres is “not a nice person,” basing this assessment on the perceived fearfulness of her staff.
These comments add fuel to the fire of previous allegations surrounding The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2020, the show became embroiled in controversy over claims of a toxic work environment, including allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct by producers. While DeGeneres herself was not directly accused of bullying, the scandal tarnished her reputation and ultimately led to the show’s conclusion in 2022 after a 19-season run.
DeGeneres has since addressed the allegations, most recently in her Netflix special For Your Approval, attributing criticism to public misinterpretations and emphasizing her own self-acceptance. She currently resides in the U.K. with her wife, Portia de Rossi.