Ellen DeGeneres has once again found herself at the center of controversy, this time doubling down on her reputation for being “mean” with her latest standup routine. The comedian, who has long been a household name for her daytime talk show and her advocacy for kindness, seems to be embracing a more abrasive persona.
Recently, DeGeneres was spotted attending an NFL game with former President George W. Bush. This unexpected friendship raised eyebrows, especially among those who admire her for her liberal activism and LGBTQ leadership. Many were quick to criticize her for associating with Bush, a figure known for his controversial policies and actions during his presidency.
In response to the backlash, DeGeneres addressed the situation on her show, emphasizing her belief in being kind to everyone, regardless of their political views. “When I say, ‘Be kind to one another,’ I don’t mean only the people that think the same way I do. I mean be kind to everyone,” she explained. This defense, however, did not sit well with many commentators who found it either irksome or downright infuriating.
Critics argue that there is a significant difference between being friends with someone who wears fur and someone who has orchestrated a historic foreign policy failure. They believe that DeGeneres’ argument collapses the concepts of kindness, niceness, and civility into one, ignoring the complexities of moral judgment.
DeGeneres’ brand of kindness has always been a clever one. It allows her to maintain a broad appeal without the heaviness that comes with being truly virtuous. By being “kind to everyone,” she ensures that she remains popular and avoids alienating any potential guests for her show. This strategy has helped her establish cross-cultural appeal and maintain her status in the entertainment industry.
However, this approach has its drawbacks. By refusing to cancel anyone, DeGeneres risks being seen as complicit in the actions of those she associates with. This phenomenon is not unique to Hollywood; it has been a topic of discussion in Washington as well. Politicians often trade in a currency of politeness, believing that civility is necessary to get things done. But this logic can be problematic when it leads to overlooking serious issues for the sake of maintaining relationships.
DeGeneres’ recent actions have also brought to light past criticisms of her behavior. Greyson Chance, a former protégée of DeGeneres, recently doubled down on his claims that the comedian is “manipulative” and “opportunistic.” In a scathing TikTok video, Chance reiterated his accusations, stating that what the public saw on TV was not reflective of what happened behind the scenes.
Chance, who was signed to DeGeneres’ label as a child, described his experience as traumatic, leading to PTSD. He acknowledged that while he is grateful for the opportunities DeGeneres provided, he is more grateful to himself for persevering through the difficult times. He accused DeGeneres of being domineering and degrading, claiming that his entire life could change with one text message from her.
While some social media users showed support for Chance, others felt that his portrayal of the situation seemed exaggerated. They argued that what he described was simply a business relationship, with DeGeneres investing in him and wanting to be involved in every aspect of his career.
As DeGeneres continues to navigate the complexities of her public persona, it remains to be seen how her latest standup routine will be received. By doubling down on her reputation for being “mean,” she may be embracing a new chapter in her career, one that challenges the very brand of kindness she has built over the years.
