Ellen DeGeneres finally returned to her show today and addressed the allegations that she and her senior staff fostered a toxic work environment.
In a taped statement that was released ahead of today's show, she spoke to a virtual audience and took responsibility for what happened over the summer:
"As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show. And then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that should never have happened. I take that very seriously. And I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected.
I know that I am in a position of privilege and power, and I realize that comes with responsibility. And I take responsibility for what happens at my show."
She also went on to say that she really is the person you see on TV. She really is the "be kind lady," but she also pointed out that she is a human with other emotions too:
"Being known as the 'be kind lady' is a tricky position to be in...I am also a lot of other things. Sometimes I get sad, I get mad, I get anxious, I get frustrated, I get impatient, and I am working on all of that."
It'll be interesting to see how she will rebound from this. Check out her address below, and listen to our conversation: