Ellen DeGeneres, once a beloved figure in entertainment, faced a sharp decline in her career around 2020, fueled by allegations of a toxic work environment on her long-running talk show. DeGeneres expressed shock at the accusations, claiming she had never noticed any signs of a hostile workplace. While an investigation confirmed some inappropriate behavior, Ellen’s personal and professional worlds crumbled under the weight of negative press, leading to a turbulent period both in her career and marriage to Portia de Rossi.
DeGeneres’ image as the cheerful, kind-hearted host was shattered as more former employees came forward, exposing a different side of her. Allegations of poor treatment and emotional neglect during the pandemic further tarnished her reputation, as she allegedly left her staff without support, hiring a nonunion company to continue producing her show from home. This decision, amid global uncertainties around job security, painted Ellen in an unsympathetic light.
At the same time, rumors about her strained marriage to de Rossi intensified. Their relationship, a Hollywood staple since the early 2000s, appeared to be faltering under the weight of Ellen’s career troubles. Reports of jealousy and infidelity fueled speculation, with insiders claiming Ellen struggled with the attention Portia received from others, leading to tension in their marriage. In contrast, other sources suggested that Ellen herself may have been involved with other women during this period, particularly while Portia was in rehab.
Despite public appearances suggesting a united front, the couple’s relationship reportedly suffered from longstanding issues, with cheating rumors resurfacing and fans scrutinizing Ellen’s behavior toward Portia in public. One particular incident, where Ellen allegedly insulted Portia’s cooking on live television, highlighted the growing strain.
By 2022, as Ellen officially ended her talk show following ongoing public backlash, the toll on her personal life became evident. She began performing live comedy shows and released a Netflix special, where she candidly acknowledged the devastating impact of the allegations on her career and self-esteem. Ellen admitted that the accusations, particularly the headline branding her “unkind,” left her feeling bitter and emotionally drained.
In addition to these challenges, Ellen’s reluctance to spend time at home with Portia sparked rumors that their marriage might still be in jeopardy. While the couple reconciled after previous turmoil, some fans believe they never fully recovered from past conflicts. As Ellen contemplates her future in show business, it remains uncertain whether her career or marriage will survive these tumultuous times.