Ellen DeGeneres' downfall 'biggest celeb self-destruction in American history'

Ellen DeGeneres has been advised by an expert to apologise for the behaviours on set of The Ellen Show – or risk the ‘biggest celebrity self-destruction in recent history’. 

The host came under fire in recent weeks after a damning expose was published featuring 10 former crew members, all of whom claimed they had dealt with intimidation and/or racism on set. None of the allegations directly involved Ellen.

The Ellen Show’s producers made a statement apologising for their alleged experiences, and an investigation has now been launched by WarnerMedia, but Ellen, and executive producer on the show herself, has at the time of writing, remained silent. 

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, Eric Schiffer, damage control expert and chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, has given his opinion on what the chat show host should do next.

‘I think the claims are a bloodbath to her celebrity equity, and have created deadly consequences to her earning potential, and decimated significant credibility to her brand,’ Schiffer explained. 

While it was noted in the expose that Ellen wasn’t directly involved in the mentioned incidents, Eric agreed with the former employees, who had urged the star to ‘take some accountability’ as it was her name they were working under.

‘This is creating an emotional whiplash that has painful implications to her,’ he added. ‘I think you’re witnessing the single greatest celebrity self-destruction in recent American history.’ 

Eric, who deals with crisis management for a-list celebrities and businesses, added the uproar against Ellen could have died down sooner, had she decided to speak out. 

He said: ‘She could have put this into a far better condition had she just made a statement, and regretted the fact that there wasn’t enough oversight and that she’s doing more, but instead she has been hiding.’

‘I think she’s gotta own it. I think she’s gonna need to apologise, and then put together a programme that will ensure that people will never be treated this way again,’ Eric advised.

‘Then she needs to show she got the message, and that she will humble herself.’

The piece, published by BuzzFeed News on July 16, came just weeks after numerous claims about her sweet persona being ‘fake’, with celebs, show guests, staff and fans all coming forward online about their negative interactions with her.

Among them, her ex-bodyguard stated she’s ‘not the person she’s portraying herself to be’ and that it was ‘all bravado’.

It comes in stark contrast to her on-screen persona, which is seen championing ‘Be Kind’ vowing to use her platform to raise awareness for change, and donating millions to charity.

Following the allegations, The Ellen Show’s executive producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner released a joint statement, which read: ‘Over the course of nearly two decades, 3,000 episodes, and employing over 1000 staff members, we have strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment.

‘We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience. It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us.

‘For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us.

‘We take all of this very seriously and we realise, as many in the world are learning, that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better.’

Metro.co.uk has reached out to Ellen’s reps for further comment.

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