Apparently, netizens have not forgotten the stories about her alleged “mean” attitude and horrible treatment of her staff. In a tearful video, the talk show host expressed her frustration over the racism that remains rampant in the United States. DeGeneres acknowledged that there will be people who will disagree with what she has to say, but because of her huge platform, she has chosen to speak up.
“I don’t know what to say. I am so sad, and I am so angry. I have a platform, and I have a voice, and I have always stood for equality, and I always wanted to be the voice for people who didn’t have a voice. Because I know what that feels like,” DeGeneres said in the clip.
The philanthropist encouraged others to understand the magnitude of violence because she said it was necessary to “heal it.” DeGeneres further lamented that things had come to this and that “people have gotten away with murder.”
Concluding her message, the 62-year-old called for justice and fairness among all, but she admitted that there are a lot of things to do before this really happens. DeGeneres’ statement came on the heels of the murder of Floyd, whose life was taken by a police officer who knelt on his neck.
While DeGeneres’ intention appeared be waking up those who are still blinded to the racism and discrimination still happening, the public wasn’t quick to dismiss previous horror stories about her. Some social media users slammed the TV personality for her alleged hypocrisy in sending a message of wanting equality when she herself was rude to her employees.
“Treat your staffers fairly. Allow others to address you. Do not dehumanise your employees,” user @MarsHollygarden wrote.
Others, meanwhile, recalled a recent controversy she was embroiled in where she likened being stuck in her house to self-isolate as being in jail. As expected, DeGeneres got some serious backlash for her statement. “This is the same woman who said that she felt like she was in jail. Not buying it,” @Tonystark86 said.