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Comedian Margaret Cho has not held back in her critique of Ellen DeGeneres, stating that the former talk show host displayed consistent mean behavior throughout much of her career. During a recent guest appearance on The Kelly Mantle Show podcast, Cho candidly addressed her complex history with DeGeneres and why she labels her a ‘mean girl.’
At 56 years old, Cho has gathered considerable emotional insight from her experiences in comedy. She noted a shift in public perception regarding DeGeneres, saying, “It’s so weird now, the public perception of her is more true to … she’s mean.” This observation, coming from someone who has had a lengthy career in stand-up, raises questions about the hidden dynamics in Hollywood.
According to Cho, the difficult relationship began early on. Cho asserted, “I think she always had negative feelings towards me because her girlfriends and wives always liked me.” Her comments suggest a competitive edge between women in comedy, where mutual admiration can sometimes lead to underlying tensions.
Reflecting on their early encounters, Cho stated that she and DeGeneres met way before DeGeneres achieved her legendary status. Cho opened for DeGeneres at various shows throughout the 1980s. What struck Cho was DeGeneres’ tendency to act as if they were strangers again when they crossed paths later. Cho expressed her confusion, proclaiming, “B—-, what? That’s weird. We go way back.” This sentiment highlights the often-surface relationships in the entertainment industry.
Cho shared a particularly striking anecdote where DeGeneres allegedly cut a segment from her show featuring the legendary David Bowie. Bowie, who appeared on DeGeneres’ daytime show in 2004, had praised Cho for her unique outfit. “It’s so creepy and weird,” Cho commented, explaining how she wore a giant Chinese emperor outfit to Bowie’s concert the night before. His enthusiastic commentary about her costume was reportedly excluded from the broadcast, much to Cho’s dismay.
Cho recalled receiving a call from a friend who worked as a producer on the show. The producer informed her about the cut segment and expressed disbelief that such a moment would be omitted. “You need to know that he was going on and on about your outfit. He loves you,” Cho recounted. This incident emphasizes the complex and often cutthroat nature of Hollywood storytelling.
Cho reflected on the possibility that DeGeneres’ actions were not personal but perhaps a decision made for time constraints. Nevertheless, Cho took it personally, stating, “I’m gonna take it personally because I decided to.” Her response encapsulates how easily misunderstandings can breed resentment in the high-pressure atmosphere of show business.
DeGeneres faced scrutiny in recent years, following claims of maintaining a toxic workplace environment on her talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Allegations of inappropriate behavior by producers contributed to the outcry about workplace culture under her management.
In 2021, the mounting criticism led to the show’s conclusion after 19 successful seasons on air. The final episode aired in May 2022, marking the end of an era for both DeGeneres and her loyal viewers.
In her Netflix special, titled Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, DeGeneres spoke candidly about being “kicked out of show business.” She understood the irony surrounding her message of kindness, explaining, “The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind — that was the headline.” This acknowledgment of her struggles reflects the difficulty in reconciling public personas with personal realities.
As discussions about DeGeneres’ behavior and the allegations surrounding her show continue, the entertainment world remains abuzz with reactions. Cho’s assertions shed light not just on her personal experiences but also on the broader issues of friendship, rivalry, and professionalism among female comedians.
Comments from both parties were not immediately available when sought from representatives for DeGeneres and Cho. The ongoing dialogues highlight the complexities inherent in relationships shaped by fame and industry politics.
As time progresses, the revelations from individuals like Margaret Cho serve as a reminder of the nuanced experiences women face in entertainment, urging a reevaluation of public figures beyond their curated images.