Today The Ellen DeGeneres Show returns to television for season 18, and in the opening monologue, Ellen addresses everything.
In a clip of the opening moments posted on Twitter, Ellen doesn’t hold back. She starts with, “If you’re watching because you love me, thank you. If you’re watching because you don’t love me, welcome.” She then dives in and speaks about the allegations made over the summer against her and her show’s staff.
Ellen states, “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’ve happened. I take that very seriously, and I want to say I’m so sorry to the people who were affected.”
She adds, “I know that I’m in a position of privilege and power, and I realize that with that comes with responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show. This is ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show,’ I am Ellen DeGeneres.”
She then explains that because of the investigation, she has made the necessary changes to the show and will start a new chapter.
The talk show host then addressed the rumors that she isn’t who she appears to be on TV. She speaks on being the “be kind” lady, and about the pressures of that title. “The truth is I am that person that you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things,” Ellen says. “Sometimes I get sad, I get mad, I get anxious, I get frustrated, I get impatient, and I am working on all of that. I am a work in progress.”
She lastly adds, “This is me, and my intention is to always be the best person I can be. If I ever let someone down, if I ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that. If that’s ever the case, I let myself down and I hurt myself as well. My hope is that we can still be a place of happiness and joy. I’m committed to making this the best season that we have ever had.”
Watch the full monologue below.