Margaret Cho Critiques Ellen DeGeneres' Past Behavior in Candid Interview

In a candid chat on The Kelly Mantle Show, Margaret Cho didn't hold back about her feelings towards fellow comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Margaret, who's been open about her bisexuality, didn't pull any punches, branding Ellen as a 'mean girl' and sharing her own run-ins with her.

Margaret Cho's early encounters with Ellen DeGeneres

Margaret Cho, known far and wide as a fearless comic, reminisced about her early dealings with Ellen DeGeneres. “It feels like people see her more clearly now,” Margaret said, referring, perhaps, not so subtly,  to Ellen's public image. In 2020, Ellen ended her hit show under a cloud after allegations surfaced about a toxic workplace environment.

Looking back on shared history

Taking a trip down memory lane, Cho recalled opening up shows in comedy clubs back in 1980s where Ellen was already a big name. “She was really weird and kind not nice throughout most of my career,” Margaret shared. There was one time on Ellen's talk show in particular that stung—Ellen pretended not even knowing her! "I was like, 'What? Seriously?' We've known each other forever," she recalled with a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Margaret speculated that maybe Ellen didn't like how her partners were fond of her. "They always liked me," she pointed out, hinting at possible jealousy as a reason things were tense between them.

The fall from grace

Once adored, The Ellen DeGeneres Show's reputation took a hit amid allegations about a harmful work environment. Warner Bros., who produced it, launched an internal probe after reports—reports that spread like wildfire. Those revelations led to a major PR storm.

With three executive producers already gone, Ellen offered an apology on-air. But by then, it seemed too little, too late. Her once beloved daytime show, a favorite for 19 years and with Emmys aplenty, wrapped up in May 2022. Her signature "Be kind" send-off now seemed to ring somewhat hollow.

Post-show, Ellen tried addressing everything with a Netflix special, but former staff saw it as an exercise in sidestepping real responsibility.

The conversation grows in LGBTQ+ circles

Margaret Cho's insights, alongside public scrutiny surrounding DeGeneres, have fueled important discussions in LGBTQ+ communities about power, fame, and personal authenticity. They've both had their battles and face their share of critique as LGBTQ+ leaders in mainstream media.

These conversations are part of a larger narrative on accountability and creating spaces that truly respect everyone, no matter who they are.

What comes next: lessons and aspirations

Margaret Cho continues using her voice to challenge norms and speak truthfully, reminding us how essential it is to remain authentic and genuine in all our interactions. Her boldness calls on us to reflect, change, and think hard about how our actions touch others.

As for Ellen, her show and its legacy in entertainment circles will be a topic of debate and reflection. The insights from this chapter could guide future entertainers and public figures facing their choices.

As LGBTQ+ folks and allies delve into these dialogues, there's hope that progress continues towards genuinely inclusive spaces where what we say aligns with what we do.