DeGeneres said the allegations of workplace harassment did not factor into her reasoning for ending the show.
Ellen DeGeneres’ long-running syndicated daytime talk show will end its run this year after 19 seasons.
The talk show host told The Hollywood Reporter that she told her staff of the decision on Tuesday and will sit down with Oprah Winfrey on Thursday to discuss the news.
“When you’re a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged —and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore,” DeGeneres told the trade publication.
The announcement comes after reports of a toxic work culture, discrimination, and sexual harassment on the set of the show. At the time, DeGeneres acknowledged the accusations and pledged to do better.
Yet she denied the controversy was the main reason for the cancellation of the show.
“It almost impacted the show,” Ellen told THR. “It was very hurtful to me. I mean, very. But if I was quitting the show because of that, I wouldn’t have come back this season.”
