Ellen DeGeneres has made a bold return to the spotlight with her latest stand-up special titled "Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval," and fans are eager to see how she addresses her controversial exit from daytime television. After stepping away from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2022 amidst a wave of accusations regarding a toxic workplace, she takes the stage to share her truth.

With her signature charm, Ellen engages her audience by initially chatting about her daily life, which amusingly includes spending time with her chickens. As the laughter settles, she shifts gears, acknowledging the elephant in the room: “Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business,” she quips, highlighting the irony of her statement while performing on Netflix, the largest streaming platform globally.

Her new special, which she hints may be her last, is not just a showcase of her comedic talent but also a heartfelt inquest into her public image, tarnished by a 2020 exposé detailing the alleged toxic environment of her former talk show. “You all heard I was mean?” she asks rhetorically, reflecting on the media frenzy surrounding her reputation. Ellen recalls reading an article titled "How Ellen DeGeneres Became the Most Hated Person in America," which undoubtedly left an impact. “There was no trophy, no awards banquet, nothing. Just the title… a shock considering I spent 17 years being listed as one of the most trusted people in the country,” she lamented.

In a candid admission, Ellen reveals that she sought therapy to handle the wave of negativity directed at her. “At one point, my therapist said, ‘Ellen, where do you get this idea that everyone hates you?’” She humorously responds by listing various major publications that had reported critically on her.

Ellen believes part of the backlash stemmed from what she calls the “one-dimensional” branding of her public persona as the perpetually kind and generous host. “Maybe if I had ended my show by saying, 'Go f—k yourselves,' people would have been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind,” she jokes, illustrating the disconnect between her public persona and her true self.

She also reflects on the lighter side of her prior role, admitting to instigating playful antics on set, like organizing games of tag that sometimes bordered on chaos. “You know, hearing myself say this out loud, I realize I was chasing my employees and terrorizing them,” she jokes, recognizing how humor can sometimes obscure deeper issues.

Moreover, she acknowledges her shortcomings as a leader, referencing that she never aspired to be a ‘boss,’ yet was seen that way. “I’m not Ronald McDonald! I created a show called Ellen, and yet I never thought that meant I should be in charge,” she expressed, highlighting the gender biases that often put women in challenging positions in leadership roles.

Despite the controversies, Ellen now embraces a more authentic self. “I’m happy not being a boss or a brand—just a person,” she declares. She describes herself in multifaceted terms, offering glimpses into her vulnerabilities, including living with OCD and ADD, while also embracing her strengths.

As she wraps up her set, Ellen poignantly reflects on the struggle of being a public figure, where public perceptions can greatly influence mental health. “With time, you gain perspective,” she reveals. “If I have a choice of people remembering me as mean or beloved… I choose that.”

Ending her performance to a standing ovation, Ellen expresses gratitude for being able to say goodbye on her own terms. In a heartfelt moment, she introduces her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, to celebrate their anniversary, emphasizing the importance of love and support in her life.

Ellen’s special may mark a significant moment in her career, but it also illustrates her journey through the ups and downs of fame—a poignant reminder that behind the laughter lies a complex story of resilience and growth.