Margaret Cho Opens Up About Strained Relationship with Ellen DeGeneres
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Renowned stand-up comedian Margaret Cho recently shared her candid thoughts on her relationship with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres during an interview on The Kelly Mantle Show podcast. Cho, aged 56, revealed her experiences with DeGeneres, 67, describing her as someone she had known for a significant amount of time. However, Cho didn’t hold back in stating that the public perception of DeGeneres aligns more with her personal encounters, labelling her as “mean” and drawing parallels to her behaviour resembling that of a “mean girl.”
In a frank discussion with podcast host Kelly Mantle, Cho delved into her reflections on DeGeneres, suggesting that negative feelings may have existed due to the favourable views DeGeneres’ partners held towards Cho. Cho expressed that certain types of women tend to appreciate female comics, which could be a contributing factor to potential tensions between herself and DeGeneres. The comedian further admitted to DeGeneres not being particularly kind to her throughout the majority of her career, painting a nuanced picture of their interactions over the years.
Cho revealed that she had shared the stage with DeGeneres long before the latter gained widespread fame, recalling opening for her in comedy clubs during the 1980s. Despite their history, Cho highlighted a noticeable shift in their dynamic when she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in the early 2000s. Cho remarked on feeling as though DeGeneres treated her as a stranger, perplexing her given their longstanding acquaintance.
A particularly striking incident recounted by Cho involved music icon David Bowie appearing on DeGeneres’ show as a guest. According to Cho, Bowie had enthusiastically discussed her presence at one of his shows, donning an elaborate outfit that he admired. Cho claimed DeGeneres chose to omit this part of the interview, leaving Cho feeling frustrated and disheartened by the decision. This alleged episode shed light on a deeper rift between the two entertainers, suggesting underlying tensions that may have impacted their relationship.
DeGeneres, whose talk show concluded in 2022, addressed the workplace allegations and their toll on her mental well-being in her final Netflix special released in 2024. Following her departure from the show, DeGeneres and her partner, Portia de Rossi, sought a fresh start in the English countryside, indicating a significant lifestyle change for the couple. The revelations shared by Cho provide a glimpse into the complexities of interpersonal dynamics within the entertainment industry, showcasing the intricacies of long-standing relationships and the challenges they may face under public scrutiny.
While representatives for DeGeneres have remained silent on Cho’s remarks, the discussion serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of professional connections in the limelight. Cho’s openness about her experiences with DeGeneres prompts a re-evaluation of the public persona often projected by celebrities, highlighting the nuances that underlie seemingly amicable relationships in the world of entertainment. As audiences continue to navigate the narratives presented by public figures, conversations like these offer valuable insights into the less visible aspects of fame and the interpersonal dynamics that shape it.