The uneasy relationship between Margaret Cho and Ellen DeGeneres sheds light on the complexities within the world of comedy and public personalities.
At a Glance
- Margaret Cho described Ellen DeGeneres as “creepy and weird.”
- Cho opened for DeGeneres but faced dismissive actions on her show.
- An incident with David Bowie’s compliment was cut from the show.
- DeGeneres ended her talk show amid toxic workplace allegations.
Margaret Cho and Ellen DeGeneres: A Complex Interaction
Margaret Cho has openly shared her feelings about Ellen DeGeneres, describing the television host as “creepy and weird,” and not particularly kind to her throughout her career. Cho’s professional interactions with DeGeneres date back to the 1980s, when she opened for DeGeneres. Despite their history, Cho noted that DeGeneres often acted as if they were strangers when they encountered one another again on the set of her talk show.
The rocky relationship between the two women highlights not only personal discord but also the competitive dynamics and pressures present in the entertainment industry. Cho described being disappointed by certain dismissive actions, such as a memorable instance where a compliment by David Bowie about her attire was edited out of an episode. This omission left Cho questioning whether the motive was time constraints or a personal slight.
Broader Unrest in the Comedy World
Cho’s reflections resonate with experiences shared by others in the comedy community. Rosie O’Donnell, for instance, mentioned unresolved issues with DeGeneres, emphasizing however, a hope for unity among gay comedians. Similarly, Kathy Griffin’s public statements convey tension, although her criticisms mainly stem from professional rivalry rather than personal interactions. These insights suggest a broader trend of unease among comedians regarding their treatment in a field that is both highly competitive and closely knit.
Ellen DeGeneres ultimately decided to end her long-running talk show in May 2022 after 19 successful seasons. This decision followed a slew of allegations regarding a toxic workplace environment, which caught the public’s attention in 2020. An apology to her staff preceded the departure of several key producers from the show, marking a significant point in DeGeneres’ career trajectory.
Post-Show Dynamics
Since moving to the United Kingdom, DeGeneres has remained mostly out of the public eye, choosing to stay away from the day-to-day tumult of the entertainment industry in America. Her decision to relocate is reported to have been influenced by the political climate in the United States after the election of President Donald Trump. However, her absence from the spotlight has not completely silenced the critics or ended conversations about her influential role in the world of television and comedy.
“Ellen was really weird and not nice to me for most of my career.” – Margaret Cho.
Through all these narratives emerges a complex picture of intense rivalries, misunderstandings, and the impact of personal interactions in professional life. The stories shared by Cho and others reflect on the intricate nature of relationships in show business, a place where competition and camaraderie often intermingle. Whether Ellen DeGeneres’ story is truly concluded or not, the mark left by these interactions provides insight into the fabric of the entertainment world.
