Ellen DeGeneres addresses 'allegations of a toxic work environment' in season 18 premiere monologue

Ellen DeGeneres has addressed the ongoing allegations about the workplace culture at her talk show.

After allegations about the company culture came pouring in over the summer, Ellen confirmed that an “internal investigation” was taking place at her daytime television show and also addressed claims about the show’s workplace culture in a note to staff.

Now, she's spoken out in her first opening monologue of the season. In the monologue, which she gives to a "virtual audience" from her set, the host takes responsibility for "what happens at my show."

She said, "As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened."

“I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected. I know that I'm in a position of privilege and power and I realized that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show," she continued.

She clarified, "This is The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I am Ellen DeGeneres. My name is there, my name is there, my name is on underwear. We have had a lot of conversations over the last few weeks about the show, our workplace, and what we want for the future. We have made the necessary changes and today we are starting a new chapter.”

She also opened up about her reputation. She said that "being known as the ‘be kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in," explaining that her catchphrase came about after "I started saying, ‘be kind to one another’ after a young man named Tyler Clementi took his own life after being bullied for being gay."

She joked, “Being known as the ‘be kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in. So let me give you some advice out there if anybody's thinking of changing their title or giving yourself a nickname, do not go with the ‘be kind’ lady. Don't do it," and then promised, "The truth is I am that person that you see on TV."

She posted the monologue on her Instagram account where reactions were mixed. One person wrote, "Honestly... the most well delivered, well-worded, seemingly genuine explanation, ownership and apology I've seen in a LONG TIME," while the comment below reads, "Who else is not believing what she is saying?"

In another video from her season premiere, she jokes about the allegations, "I’m excited to see all of my staff and my crew. Hi, everybody. Please don’t look me in the eye. Oh, I’m kidding. But I will be passing out gum for everyone. Kidding again.”