Behind-the-scenes drama: Former staff paint a chilling portrait of tension, bias, and on-set unease

August 28, 2025 — New allegations have reignited scrutiny of Ellen DeGeneres’ conduct behind the camera. In a resurfacing of 2020’s toxic workplace scandal, a former cameraman has come forward with troubling claims—one of which includes an alleged feud with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay that hints at deeper tensions and control issues.

Alleged Fallout with Gordon Ramsay

According to the ex-cameraman, Ellen DeGeneres allegedly held a “deep dislike” for Gordon Ramsay following a kitchen segment on her talk show. The chef reportedly criticized a dish—calling the meat “rancid”—after Ellen had presented it for a cooking demo. This offended her, leading to a response that Ramsay was told, “Don’t let this guy on the show again.” He was reportedly banned from appearing again for nearly eight seasons.

Toxic Atmosphere, Defined

The former crew member described a workplace haunted by what they called the “Ellen gaze”—a glowering stare marked by narrowed eyes and jutting cheekbones. He shared that working directly with her, especially while her wife, Portia de Rossi, was present, felt risky. The stigma of being seated next to de Rossi could invite intense scrutiny.

Even more disturbing, the cameraman claimed that production pressure once extended to a producer being urged to reschedule a child’s critical bone-marrow transplant to accommodate Ellen’s taping schedule—an alarming example of loyalty to the show overshadowing staff welfare.

Patterns and Past Apologies

These fresh allegations echo earlier accusations from 2020 about a toxic on-set culture. At the time, DeGeneres addressed the matter publicly, offering apologies and stating she had initiated changes. She attributed the backlash to a manipulated smear campaign and maintained the importance of authenticity.

Why It Strikes a Chord

Power dynamics and public personas: Ellen’s well-established image as a compassionate, “be-kind” figure sharply contrasts these allegations, fueling public concern and disbelief.

Toxic culture spillover: Reports suggest staff loyalty was prioritized over personal well-being—raising serious questions about boundaries in entertainment workplaces.

Revisiting the narrative: As controversies resurface, they challenge how audiences and the industry reconcile public persona with unfiltered reality.

Bottom Line

These new claims cast a shadow over Ellen DeGeneres’s legacy as a beloved TV host. If true, they reflect a troubling disconnect between her public kindness and alleged behind-the-scenes behavior. The spotlight on practices, biases, and treatment within elite media productions is more pressing than ever.