In 2020, Ellen DeGeneres was at the peak of her career.

She was a household name, beloved by millions, and known for her cheery personality and “Be Kind” mantra.

But behind the scenes, whispers about Ellen’s true nature began to surface.

What had once been a successful career started to unravel.

The woman who had become a global icon for kindness was now being unmasked as one of Hollywood’s most notorious divas.

“I’ve worked with Ellen for years, and she’s nothing like what you see on TV,” one former employee remarked.

But how did Ellen’s empire of charm and kindness come crashing down?
The Early Years: A Star in the Making
Ellen DeGeneres’ rise to fame wasn’t an overnight success.

Born in Louisiana in 1958, she began her career in the 1980s, working odd jobs before she found her calling as a stand-up comedian.

Her breakthrough came in 1986 when she appeared on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” and received rave reviews.

By 1994, Ellen had her own sitcom, “Ellen,” which quickly became a hit.

The 1997 episode of her show, where Ellen’s character comes out as gαy, was a cultural milestone, bringing attention and praise from the LGBTQ community.

But with that fame came backlash.

As her show began to lose advertisers and viewers, Ellen’s career took a severe hit.

The cancellation of her sitcom marked the beginning of a difficult period in Ellen’s career, but little did the public know, the seeds of her future comeback were already being planted.

A Comeback and a New Show: “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
In 2003, Ellen’s career got a second wind when she launched “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

” This daytime talk show would go on to become a massive success, bringing Ellen back into the spotlight as a daytime TV staple.

She won multiple Daytime Emmys and gained a reputation as the queen of daytime television.

Her show was known for fun segments, celebrity interviews, and audience giveaways.

But even during her most successful years, rumors about Ellen’s behavior behind the scenes began to surface.

Former staff members described her as difficult, unapproachable, and even cruel.

“Be kind to one another” was her slogan, but many who worked with her felt like that message didn’t apply to them.

“She treated us like we didn’t matter,” one crew member revealed.

Behind the Scenes: The Mask Slips
Despite her public image of kindness, the reality behind Ellen’s show was much darker.

In 2020, the floodgates opened when several former employees and celebrities began to share stories about her toxic behavior.

Reports of harassment, unprofessional behavior, and a mean-spirited work environment quickly gained traction.

“She was cold, rude, and demanding,” a former staffer claimed.

And the stories only escalated from there.

What was once perceived as Ellen’s light-hearted persona began to seem like a carefully constructed façade.

She was reportedly difficult to work with, would lash out at staff, and create a tense atmosphere behind the scenes.

Even former guests described Ellen as being anything but warm.

“I went on the show, and Ellen didn’t even acknowledge me until I was on set.

It was as if I wasn’t there at all,” one guest revealed.

The Backlash: Social Media Explodes
In March 2020, comedian Kevin Porter started a viral tweet asking people to share their worst stories about Ellen’s bad behavior.

The tweet quickly went viral, with fans and former employees sharing their experiences of working with Ellen.

It wasn’t just about a few bad days; it was about a pattern of behavior that had been hidden for years.

This tweet acted as the tipping point for Ellen’s downfall, bringing to light the stories that had been circulating in Hollywood for decades.

One of the most infamous clips that circulated was Ellen’s tense interaction with actress Dakota Johnson.

When Ellen joked about not being invited to Dakota’s birthday party, Johnson quickly shut her down, revealing that she had, in fact, invited Ellen but never received a response.

The awkwardness of the exchange spoke volumes about the relationship behind the scenes, with many fans noting how uncomfortable Ellen seemed during the entire exchange.

Ellen’s Personal Life: Scandals and Secrets
Ellen’s personal life also contributed to the growing backlash.

While her career was falling apart, the public began to take a closer look at her relationships.

Ellen’s marriage to actress Portia de Rossi, while once viewed as a symbol of Hollywood’s progress in LGBTQ representation, began to feel more like a PR stunt.

There were rumors of Ellen being controlling and manipulative in her relationship, with some insiders claiming she had tried to control Portia’s career and personal life.

It was also revealed that Ellen’s relationship with her ex-girlfriend, Alexandra Hedison, had ended under strained circumstances.

Hedison later married Jodie Foster, and Ellen reportedly attempted to intervene in their relationship, much to the discomfort of both women.

“Ellen didn’t like the idea of Jodie dating Alex.

She tried to talk Jodie out of it,” a close friend of the pair revealed.

The Fall: A Legacy of Betrayal and Backlash
In 2020, the backlash against Ellen reached its peak.

Amidst the viral stories, Ellen’s staff was hit with pay cuts due to her decision to hire cheaper, non-union workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This move was seen as hypocritical, given Ellen’s history of advocating for fair wages and equal treatment for her employees.

The controversy surrounding her treatment of staff and her apparent disregard for the hardship that people were facing during the pandemic didn’t sit well with her loyal audience.

The final blow came when Ellen’s talk show ended in 2022 after 19 seasons.

Despite the enormous success she had achieved, Ellen’s behavior behind the scenes made it impossible for her to continue her reign as the queen of daytime television.

She attempted to salvage her public image with a Netflix special, but the special was met with ridicule, with many accusing her of being out of touch and unrelatable.

The Aftermath: Ellen’s Future in Hollywood
Despite the immense backlash, Ellen is still active in the entertainment industry.

In 2024, she released another Netflix special titled “For Your Approval,” which was widely criticized for its lack of authenticity and overly self-indulgent narrative.

Meanwhile, Ellen and Portia’s move to the UK and their quiet life outside of the public eye only fueled speculation about whether Ellen was truly done with Hollywood or if she was just waiting for the right opportunity to make a comeback.

What’s clear is that Ellen’s legacy is no longer defined by her kindness or her humor.

Instead, it’s become a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and the manipulation of a public persona.

From a beloved TV host to one of Hollywood’s most notorious divas, Ellen’s story is a tragic reminder that fame and fortune can often come at the cost of personal integrity and authentic relationships.