Comedian/actress/former talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres recently told attendees at her farewell tour, “Ellen’s Last Stand…Up” that after her upcoming Netflix special, she will no longer perform in show business, according to LGBTQ Nation, citing The SF Gate.
During her performance at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on July 8, an audience member asked her, “Will we see you on Broadway or movies?” DeGeneres replied, “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
DeGeneres told the crowd, ”I got kicked out of show business for being mean,” referring to rumors of a toxic workplace on the set of her long-running daytime talk show, leading her to leave the show in May 2022.“I can be demanding and impatient and tough. I am a strong woman,” she continued, adding, “I am many things, but I am not mean” because, she said, she never meant to hurt anyone.
Variety noted that the talk show ended amid a series of reports detailing allegations of racism, sexual misconduct and intimidation behind the scenes. The outlet also reported on crew members’ frustrations with how the production handled compensation during the COVID pandemic. DeGeneres apologized on air and three producers were fired after WarnerMedia conducted an internal investigation.
On this tour, DeGeneres has cancelled several performances, including one slated for Aug. 11 at The Chicago Theatre, NBC Chicago noted. However, the sold-out performance scheduled for Aug. 10, at the same venue, is still expected to take place.
Her talk show lasted almost 20 years. Before that, among other things, DeGeneres starred in the sitcom Ellen (1994–98), which featured her coming out to her therapist, played by Oprah Winfrey.
DeGeneres’ Netflix standup special is set to air in late 2024.