Ellen DeGeneres has thanked her “amazing” fans and staff for standing by her after scandal enveloped her TV show.
The comic was forced to make drastic behind-the-scenes changes on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, sacking three key producers after a damning investigation exposed an alleged toxic work environment and a culture of fear and bullying.
Network executives were reported to have considered cancelling the show amid a stream of negative headlines, including many about DeGeneres – who was accused of being “one of the meanest people alive” away from the cameras.
Talk show host says she ‘thanks staff for what they do every single day’.
Despite the controversy, the embattled host picked up the best daytime talk show award at the E! People’s Choice Awards on Sunday (November 15), acknowledging the behind-the-scenes issues.
She said: “I am not only accepting this award for myself but on behalf of my amazing crew and staff who make the show possible.
“They show up every single day, they give 100 percent of themselves, 100 percent of the time.”
DeGeneres continued: “I love them all, and I thank them for what they do every single day to help that show be the best that we try to make it every single day.
“I know this award comes from the people, and I say thank you to all of my fans for supporting me, for sticking by me.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am and what this means to me, it’s more than I could possibly tell you, especially right now.”
She joked of the trophy at the socially-distanced ceremony: “I’m going to wipe it down with Lysol and then I’m going to put it on my shelf.”
Ellen DeGeneres used her show to address claims of bullying.
In September, DeGeneres addressed the allegations head-on as her show returned from its summer break.
“Welcome to season 18 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show!” the 62-year-old said, ending a months-long silence.
“If you’re watching because you love me, thank you. If you’re watching because you don’t love me, welcome.
“How was everybody’s summer? Good? Mine was great. Super terrific!”
DeGeneres continued: “Let’s get to it. As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show, and then there was an investigation.
“I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected.
“I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and I realise that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”