It looks like production on The Ellen Degeneres Show has come to a halt after the recent announcement that Degeneres herself has reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus.
Posting the news on her Twitter on December 11, the daytime talk show host shared a note saying: “Hi everyone. I want to let you all know that I tested positive for COVID-19."
“Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all the proper CDC guidelines."
“I’ll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe.”
According to Variety, production on The Ellen DeGeneres Show will not continue until at least January, 2021.
The news of her diagnosis follows the recent controversy around one of the show’s producers, who revealed that attracting A-list celebrity guests and advertisers was increasingly difficult following reports of a “toxic” culture on set.
Speaking to Buzzfeed, a publicist for the program revealed: “I wouldn’t set up anyone on her show right now to do anything that could possibly cause them more negative headlines.”
“You have to tread so carefully with your clients and your clients’ reputations, so you don’t want to put your client in any line of fire sympathising with someone that any community or anyone would feel bad about."
“We’re not going to align anyone with Ellen,” the publicist said.
Additionally, another publicist claimed that “the feedback we’ve been getting is that Ellen is no longer a first choice for talent.” And according to them, other famous A-listers have been turning to other talk shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Drew Barrymore Show.
Following the plethora of allegations against her behaviour, Ellen DeGeneres began her 18th season of the show with a lengthy monologue, where she addressed the situation.
“As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation,” she said. “I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected.”
And while Ellen was never personally accused of any misconduct, she chose to take responsibility for what happened.
“I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and I realise that with that comes great responsibility and I take responsibility for what happens at my show. This is The Ellen DeGeneres Show, I am Ellen DeGeneres,” she said.
“We have made the necessary changes and today, we are starting a new chapter.”
