
In her Netflix special "For Your Approval," Ellen DeGeneres returned to the spotlight for the first time since her daytime talk show ended in 2022. The special, taped earlier this year, opened with DeGeneres confronting the negative headlines that followed her 2020 workplace scandal, in which her show was accused of fostering a toxic environment. During the intro, DeGeneres reflected on feeling "kicked out of showbusiness" and addressed the backlash that tarnished her public image.
Allegations of 'Copying' Taylor Swift
However, the special quickly ignited controversy online. The opening segment, which featured a series of negative headlines and social media posts criticizing DeGeneres, drew comparisons to the 2018 Reputation Tour opening by pop star Taylor Swift, which similarly highlighted negative media coverage. X (formerly Twitter) users pointed out the resemblance, with one post about the similarities racking up over 12 million views.
One X user said that intro "soo ridiculous," while another commented, "This is copying Reputation tour intro." Another quipped, "Reputation (Ellen's Version)," referencing Swift's famous album re-release project.
the intro to the new ellen special is soo ridiculous pic.twitter.com/MkeWLMP7XA
— sam (@samxmcgowan) September 24, 2024
this is copying reputation tour intro
— Erika Lee (@erikaleetv) September 24, 2024
insert cringe meme I'm too lazy to find
— Stephen Ford (@StephenSeanFord) September 24, 2024
Fans Defend DeGeneres Amid Criticism
Despite the accusations of imitation, DeGeneres also received support from fans.
Several viewers spoke out on X, defending her against the backlash. One fan praised her candidness in the special, saying, "Speaking about her struggles will really help people."
The Ellen special has made me feel so many emotions 🥹
— Joe | eras philly & ldn 💜 (@joewilliams_cal) September 25, 2024
Cancel culture is terrible, and we saw what it did to Taylor 💔
Speaking about her struggles will really help people ❤️ her talking about OCD was something I could really relate to, so thank you @EllenDeGeneres ❤️
@EllenDeGeneres I will remember you as being belovededededededededed... for being loved. Thank you. I am grateful. I am blessed. I love you.
— Jasonhausen 🎃🎃 (@PositivelyJC) September 25, 2024
DeGeneres on Cancel Culture and Moving Forward
In the special, DeGeneres addressed the challenges of cancel culture head-on. While she maintains that her talk show did not end because of the negative press, she acknowledged the emotional toll it took on her, all while delivering the deadpan humor that made her a household name.
"I'm here because I love doing stand-up, and I miss doing stand-up, and I like making people happy, and I do care what people think," she told the audience.
This article originally appeared on Enstarz.
© 2025 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.