Margaret Cho accuses Ellen DeGeneres of mean behavior over the years

In a recent interview on Kelly Mantle’s podcast, Margaret Cho, a comedian known for her candid discussions, reflected on her long and complicated relationship with fellow comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Cho, who is 56 years old, characterized DeGeneres as unfriendly and described her behaviors as akin to those of a 'mean girl'. She recounted how DeGeneres appeared to have negative feelings toward her, possibly because of the affection DeGeneres's partners had for Cho. This longstanding tension began when Cho opened for DeGeneres in the booming stand-up comedy scene of the 1980s, long before DeGeneres gained fame. During the 2000s, when Cho made appearances on DeGeneres's daytime talk show, she felt as if DeGeneres treated her as a stranger, a stark contrast to their earlier rapport. Cho vividly recalled an experience from 2004 when David Bowie praised her outfit on DeGeneres's show, only for a segment featuring his compliments to be cut from the episode. This left Cho feeling disappointed and perplexed, as she believed the edit was intentional amid the prevailing tension between the two. The public perception of DeGeneres, who is now 67, has shifted dramatically in recent years due to numerous allegations regarding her treatment of employees and an overall toxic work environment on her show. Although DeGeneres has previously denied these allegations, claiming that any negative assertions about her character are 'outright lies', the controversy surrounding her persona has contributed to a growing skepticism about her on-screen kindness. DeGeneres ended her long-running talk show in 2022 amidst these allegations, leading her to step back from her public career entirely. During a recent performance, she acknowledged her exit from Hollywood and referred to being 'kicked out' for her behavior, which she admits can be demanding and impatient, but she maintained that she is not a mean person. The conflicting narratives surrounding DeGeneres's character pose questions about authenticity in public life, especially for those in the spotlight. Cho's revelations have added another layer to the already complex image of DeGeneres, underlining that the public and behind-the-scenes personas of celebrities can often be at odds. As discussions about workplace culture and behavior continue to evolve, Cho's comments resonate with many who are reflecting on the balance between public persona and personal integrity. As the entertainment industry shifts, these conversations are becoming increasingly important, allowing room for dialogue about what kindness and respect should mean in professional settings. The nature of Cho's claims demonstrates how interconnected professional relationships in the comedy world can be, revealing both glory and strife. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how both comedians will navigate the public's evolving understanding of their dynamics, along with the expectations this places on prominent figures in the entertainment industry.