Ellen DeGeneres opened up the 18^th season of her eponymous talker with an extended apology, addressing the “toxic workplace culture” bombshell dropped this summer.

“I take responsibility for what happens at my show,” the host confessed to the cameras in the studio, attended only by crew and guests. (Covid-era rules prohibit seating the public in the studio audience seats.) 

“As you may have heard this summer, there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show,” DeGeneres said. “And then there was an investigation. I learned that things happen 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,” she said.

Warner Bros., who produces her show, launched an investigation into the allegations of a work environment that was rife with “racism, fear and intimidation” according to a BuzzFeed News article published in July. In the article, crew members said they were fired for taking medical leave or bereavement time off, and a former Black employee said she was the victim of racist comments from staff members.

As a result of the internal investigation, Warner let three high-level producers go: Ed Glavin, an executive producer; Jonathan Norman, a co-executive producer; and Kevin Leman, the head writer. 

The televised apology followed two others – one via email and another over a videoconference with her entire staff. DeGeneres addressed the dichotomy between her likable image and the toxic boss allegations. 

“So, I’m a pretty good actress, but I don’t think that I’m that good that I could come out here every day for 17 years and fool you,” she said. “This is me. And my intention is to always be the best person I can be. And if I’ve ever let someone down, if I’ve ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that,” she said. 

Though Ellen was accused of being the one fostering the toxicity, she remains as host. She said that she and her staff 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.” 

“I’m committed to making this the best season we’ve ever had,” she promised.