Margaret Cho Accuses Ellen DeGeneres of Longstanding Coldness and "Mean Girl" Behavior
In a recent interview on "The Kelly Mantle Show" podcast, comedian Margaret Cho opened up about her long-standing tension with former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. Cho described DeGeneres as having “mean girl” tendencies, claiming that the public's current perception of DeGeneres aligns more closely with reality. She recounted several incidents over the years, including being ignored despite their shared history and a reported instance where DeGeneres cut a segment featuring praise from David Bowie on her show. Cho also suggested that DeGeneres harbored resentment because female audiences close to DeGeneres favored Cho. The allegations come amid DeGeneres' past struggles with workplace accusations that ultimately led to the end of her long-running daytime show in 2022.
Comedian Recalls Years of Tension and Unreciprocated Professional Relations
During a candid conversation on a recent podcast appearance, veteran stand-up performer Margaret Cho recalled her uneasy interactions with Ellen DeGeneres stretching back decades. The two first met before DeGeneres rose to national fame, and Cho served as an opening act for her multiple times during the '80s. However, she claimed that whenever they crossed paths later, DeGeneres would often feign unfamiliarity. Cho found this behavior puzzling and disrespectful, given their professional history.
The situation took a sharper turn when Cho learned that a portion of a 2004 episode of DeGeneres’ show was edited out—specifically one in which guest David Bowie praised Cho for attending his concert the night before in an elaborate Chinese emperor costume. A producer who was close to Cho reportedly called to inform her that DeGeneres herself had removed the segment, a decision that left Cho visibly upset. While Cho acknowledged possible logistical reasons such as time constraints, she ultimately viewed it as a personal slight.
Evolving Public Perception and Comedic Identity in the Spotlight
DeGeneres’ program, once celebrated for its feel-good atmosphere and signature message of kindness, faced a dramatic shift in tone following reports of a toxic work environment. Multiple allegations surfaced involving high-level producers and inappropriate behavior, eventually contributing to the show’s conclusion after nearly two decades. In her Netflix comedy special, DeGeneres humorously yet pointedly referenced being pushed out of television, joking that the irony of being branded the “be kind” figure made things worse when reality fell short.
While no official statements have been made by either party regarding Cho’s latest claims, the incident adds another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding DeGeneres’ legacy. As entertainment industry dynamics continue to evolve, so too does the scrutiny around how personalities navigate both their public personas and behind-the-scenes relationships.