Katy Perry, Kevin Hart slammed over Ellen DeGeneres support

For the past few months The Ellen DeGeneres Show has come up against a stream of allegations, including claims of a ‘toxic’ workplace culture and allegations of sexual misconduct .

And while Ellen’s A-list pals were nowhere to be seen at the time, they have slowly begun to come out of the woodwork in support of the 62-year-old.

Ellen and Katy Perry attend the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
Katy Perry has come to Ellen DeGeneres' defence. Photo: Getty Images

However, the likes of Katy Perry, Kevin Hart and Diane Keaton have faced backlash online for their public show of support, with many criticising the celebrities for speaking out.

“I know I can’t speak for anyone else’s experience besides my own but I want to acknowledge that I have only ever had positive takeaways from my time with Ellen & on the @theellenshow. I think we all have witnessed the light & continual fight for equality that she has brought to the world through her platform for decades. Sending you love & a hug, friend” Katy Perry wrote.

Katy Perry tweet about Ellen
Katy Perry's Tweet in support of Ellen. Photo: Twitter/Katy Perry
Katy Perry's tweet in support of The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Katy Perry's tweet in support of The Ellen Show. Photo: Twitter/Katy Perry

Many people commented slamming Katy, with one person writing: “Yeah but I feel like you would be treated positively bc you’re famous”.

Another person wrote: “I feel like part of the reason Katy Perry may have had a more positive experience with Ellen DeGeneres than the interns and less-paid staff workers coming forward about their toxic work environment is because she's like...Katy Perry”

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Others thanked the star for not being involved in ‘cancel culture’ and for standing up for her friend.

Comedian Kevin Hart also took to his Instagram account to post a photo of himself on Ellen’s show, alongside the caption: “It’s crazy to see my friend go thru what she’s going thru publicly. I have known Ellen for years and I can honestly say that she’s one of the dopest people on the f****** planet.

Ellen and Kevin Hart onstage during the People's Choice Awards 2017 at Microsoft Theater on January 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevin Hart also jumped to Ellen's defence in an Instagram post. Photo: Getty Images
Kevin Hart and Ellen on The Ellen Show
Kevin can be seen enjoying himself on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Photo: Instagram/Kevin Hart

“She has treated my family and my team with love and respect from day 1. The internet has become a crazy world of negativity....we are falling in love with peoples downfall. It’s honestly sad...When did we get here? I stand by the ones that I know and that I love. Looking forward to the future where we get back to loving one another....this hate s*** has to stop. Hopefully it goes out of style soon....This post is not meant to disregard the feelings of others and their experiences....It’s simply to show what my experiences have been with my friend. Love you for life Ellen…”

While many agreed with the sentiments of Kevin's message, one person wrote: “Yeah, you don’t work for Ellen though. You’re a celebrity guest. Very different.”

Another fan simply commented saying: “Delete this”.

Others agreed with Kevin, writing: “Man, hit the nail on the head. Too much negativitiy and less love. Gotta change.”

American legendary actress Diane Keaton also uploaded a snap to Instagram showing her smiling on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, alongside a caption written in caps lock.

Diane Keaton Instagram with Ellen
Diane Keaton posted a message of support to her Instagram page. Photo: Instagram/Diane Keaton

“I always enjoyed my visits to The Ellen Show. I’ve seen how the audience exudes happiness and gratitude. She gives back to so many including me,” she wrote.

One person wrote underneath her caption: “She might be lovely to you but she clearly wasn’t kind to people that worked for her!”

“Diane, you're speaking from a guest standpoint. You're only there for the taping and that's it. Don't speak on behalf of staff who are there daily for 8 hrs, working behind the scenes. You have no right,” another said.

Jay Leno and Ellen
Jay Leno spoke of his 40-year friendship with Ellen in a Tweet. Photo: Twitter/Jay Leno

Fellow talk show host Jay Leno showed his support for Ellen, by taking to his Twitter and writing: “I don’t discard a 40-year friendship on hearsay. The Ellen I know has raised over $125 million dollars for charity and has always been a kind and decent person. I fully support her. Jay Leno”

Again, many were unimpressed with his tweet, with one person writing: “It’s not how she treated celebrities. It’s how she treated her staff.. the EMPLOYEES and their work space was toxic.”

“But the point is how she treated her staff right?” another said.

However, others were impressed by him taking a stand, with one person saying: “Good for you, Jay! Nice to see a celebrity take a stand!”

Ashton Kutcher was another celebrity guest who took to Twitter.

“I haven’t spoken with Ellen and can only speak from my own experience. She & her team have only treated me & my team w/ respect & kindness. She never pandered to celebrity which I always saw as a refreshing honesty. When things aren’t right she handles it and fixes,” he shared.

Many people again pointed out it was because Ashton was a celebrity. But he went on to further defend Ellen adding: “But it extends to my team and people she didn’t even know I work with.”

Ellen Show faces a stream of allegations

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is reportedly under investigation following multiple allegations of its “toxic work environment”.

Over the past few months, the show has been plagued by rumours and recently, a number of staff and former workers on the daytime talk show spoke out anonymously to Buzzfeed, slamming the reported mistreatment they experienced during their time at the show.

There have also been allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment against a number of the show's senior staff members.

Ellen waving at the camera
Ellen recently released a statement about the allegations. Photo: Getty Images

In response, WarnerMedia is believed to have launched an internal investigation, with a third party firm reportedly being hired to interview current and former staff about their experiences while working on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Allegations from current and former employees include claims of being fired after taking medical leave or bereavement days, facing microaggressions and a culture of bullying and favouritism by executive producers.

No specific claims were made against Ellen, although some staff claimed they were told not to speak to the TV presenter and comedian if she was in the office.

Ellen apologises for bullying allegations in leaked letter

In a leaked letter obtained by the Hollywood Reporter, the 30-time Emmy winner said she takes “responsibility” as the program bears her name, adding that changes will be made.

“Hey everybody — it’s Ellen. On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness — no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect,” the letter read.

“Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show.

“I could not have the success I’ve had without all of your contributions. My name is on the show and everything we do and I take responsibility for that.”

Ellen added that the team has also begun an internal investigation and is “taking steps” to correct the issues.

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