Ellen DeGeneres has unexpectedly canceled several stops on her current comedy tour, “Ellen’s Last Stand… Up,” following remarks indicating her desire to step away from the public eye. This development comes two years after the end of her long-running daytime talk show, which was canceled amid allegations of a toxic workplace environment.
On July 5, 2024, DeGeneres canceled four shows in Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Dallas, surprising fans and media alike. This cancellation was confirmed by NBC’s Chicago affiliate, who reported that DeGeneres told a stand-up audience last week, “this is the last time you’re going to see me.” These statements have sparked widespread speculation about her future in entertainment.
DeGeneres began her current tour in April, marking her return to live performances for the first time since 2019. The tour was anticipated to culminate in a Netflix comedy special, announced in March 2024, although the streaming giant has yet to provide a title or release date for this final performance.
“Kicked out of show business for being mean,”….”After my Netflix special, I’m done”
Ellen DeGeneres
During a performance in Santa Rosa, California, last week, DeGeneres openly discussed her departure from show business. She mentioned the above quote referencing the fallout from a 2020 Buzzfeed report that accused her of fostering a toxic work environment on her show. She further commented, suggesting her complete withdrawal from public performances after this final project.
The Buzzfeed report, published in 2020, alleged various forms of misconduct, including racism and intimidation, against DeGeneres. Staff members reported being fired for taking time off for family funerals and described a hostile work environment where they were instructed not to speak to DeGeneres if they encountered her at the office. These revelations led to intense public scrutiny and significantly tarnished DeGeneres’s image, which had been built around a “be kind” philosophy.
DeGeneres’s announcement in Santa Rosa was not the first time she faced significant professional setbacks. In the 1990s, her career experienced a downturn after she came out as a lesbian, both personally and through her sitcom character on the show “Ellen.” This bold move was initially met with considerable backlash, but she eventually rebounded, launching “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2003. The show enjoyed tremendous success, garnering millions of daily viewers and numerous Daytime Emmy Awards over its nearly two-decade run.
Despite the recent cancellations, DeGeneres still has 14 tour dates scheduled through August 2024, including sold-out performances in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Durham, North Carolina. These remaining shows are expected to proceed as planned, though there is heightened interest in how her final performances will be received by audiences and critics alike.
As of now, representatives for DeGeneres have not responded to requests for comment. Her decision to withdraw from the public eye and the entertainment industry marks a significant shift for the comedian who has been a prominent figure in American television for decades.
Ellen DeGeneres’s career began in the 1980s when she was named the funniest person in America by Showtime in 1984. She went on to achieve fame with her sitcom “Ellen” in 1994 and solidified her status as a beloved TV host with “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” from 2003 to 2022. However, the latter part of her career has been overshadowed by the allegations and subsequent scrutiny.
Forbes recently ranked DeGeneres at No. 76 on its list of America’s Self-Made Women, estimating her net worth at $450 million. This valuation underscores her significant impact on the entertainment industry and her financial success despite recent controversies.
The coming months will be pivotal as DeGeneres completes her tour and prepares for her final Netflix special. Her legacy, while currently marred by allegations, includes groundbreaking moments in television history and contributions to LGBTQ representation.
