Rosie O’Donnell weighs in on Ellen DeGeneres controversy: ‘You can’t fake your essence’
O'Donnell is the latest celebrity to defend DeGeneres amid the allegations that her programme is a toxic work environment
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Your support makes all the difference.Rosie O’Donnell has shared her thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding television talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
The television personality revealed she has “compassion” for her after The Ellen DeGeneres Show became the subject of an internal investigation into allegations that it was a toxic work environment.
Speaking on actor Busy Philipps‘s podcast yesterday (26 August), O’Donnell defended DeGeneres: “You can’t fake your essence,” she said. “And that’s why I have compassion for Ellen, right? I have compassion even though, you know, I hear the stories and I understand.
“I think she has some social awkwardness,” she added.
The 58-year-old, who hosted her own talk show between 1996 and 2002, also opened up about why she never appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show herself.
She told Philipps: “You know how Ellen surprises everyone? I’ve never done that show because I’m terrified she’s going to scare me and give me a heart attack.”
DeGeneres is known for her scaring her celebrity guests on air with hidden actors.
O’Donnell is one of multiple celebrities who have defended DeGeneres amid the allegations. Others include Kevin Hart, Jay Leno and Katy Perry.
DeGeneres, who according to NBC News wasn’t personally a part of the review, has said she is “disappointed” and “sorry” about staffers’ alleged conduct.
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