From birthday party invites to awkward exchanges, here are the moments when Ellen DeGeneres made her guests squirm
Introduction:
Ellen DeGeneres, the renowned talk show host, is known for her quick wit and entertaining banter. However, there have been instances where her interactions with guests have veered into uncomfortable territory. From questioning birthday party invites to playful sparring, here are 13 times when Ellen DeGeneres made her guests feel a little uneasy.
1. Dakota Johnson’s Birthday Party Invite:
In 2019, Dakota Johnson found herself in an awkward exchange with DeGeneres over a birthday party invitation. DeGeneres claimed she hadn’t received an invite, to which Johnson replied, “Actually, no, that’s not the truth Ellen, you were invited.” The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star revealed that she had sent an invite after DeGeneres expressed disappointment over not being invited the previous year. The conversation took a humorous turn when Johnson admitted, “I didn’t even know you liked me,” to which DeGeneres playfully responded, “Of course I like you, you knew I liked you.”
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2. The Confirmation That Never Came:
Despite Johnson’s insistence that she had invited DeGeneres, the talk show host failed to attend the birthday celebration. Johnson even suggested DeGeneres ask her employees to confirm the invitation. DeGeneres eventually admitted, “It was probably in Malibu, that’s too far for me to go to.” In an attempt to smooth things over, DeGeneres jokingly said, “No, I think I do remember I was invited, thank you!” This exchange left viewers wondering if DeGeneres would think twice before calling out her guests again.
3. Jennifer Aniston’s Awkward Reunion:
During a reunion episode featuring the cast of “Friends,” DeGeneres put Jennifer Aniston in an uncomfortable spot by asking if she had ever slept with any of her co-stars. Aniston, clearly taken aback, replied, “I mean, Ross,” referring to David Schwimmer’s character, causing the audience to erupt in laughter. This moment highlighted DeGeneres’ knack for pushing boundaries, even with A-list celebrities.
4. Mariah Carey’s Pregnancy Rumors:
In a 2008 interview, DeGeneres confronted Mariah Carey about rumors surrounding her pregnancy. Despite Carey’s attempts to evade the question, DeGeneres persisted, leading to an awkward exchange. The singer eventually confirmed her pregnancy, but the uncomfortable atmosphere during the interview left viewers questioning DeGeneres’ approach.
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5. Taylor Swift’s Dating Life:
During a 2012 interview, DeGeneres poked fun at Taylor Swift’s dating history, displaying a series of photos of the singer with various celebrities. Swift, visibly uncomfortable, responded with grace but made it clear that she wasn’t thrilled with the line of questioning. This incident shed light on DeGeneres’ tendency to delve into personal matters, even when guests may not be ready to discuss them.
6. Justin Bieber’s Paternity Claim:
In 2011, DeGeneres invited Justin Bieber to her show to address a paternity claim made against him. The talk show host asked Bieber to take a paternity test, which he eventually did to prove his innocence. However, the uncomfortable nature of the situation and the public scrutiny it brought upon the young pop star raised eyebrows.
7. Kanye West’s Rant:
During Kanye West’s appearance on the show in 2016, DeGeneres found herself in the midst of an uncomfortable moment when West went on a lengthy rant about various topics. DeGeneres attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction, but the tension in the room was palpable. This incident highlighted DeGeneres’ ability to handle unexpected situations with composure.
8. Caitlyn Jenner’s Transition:
In a 2015 interview with Caitlyn Jenner, DeGeneres questioned the reality star’s stance on same-sex marriage, leading to a somewhat tense exchange. Jenner’s conservative views clashed with DeGeneres’ strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, making for an uncomfortable conversation. This moment showcased DeGeneres’ willingness to address sensitive topics, even if it meant challenging her guests’ beliefs.
9. Nicki Minaj’s Twitter Feud:
During Nicki Minaj’s appearance on the show in 2013, DeGeneres brought up a Twitter feud between Minaj and fellow rapper Mariah Carey. The tension between the two musicians was evident, and DeGeneres attempted to diffuse the situation with humor. However, the uncomfortable dynamic between Minaj and Carey remained a focal point of the interview.
10. Ellen’s Pranks Gone Wrong:
While DeGeneres is known for her playful pranks, there have been instances where they have backfired. From scaring guests to embarrassing them, some pranks have left guests visibly uncomfortable. These moments serve as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned jokes can sometimes miss the mark.
11. Uncomfortable Interviews with Child Stars:
DeGeneres has also faced criticism for her interviews with child stars, with some viewers feeling that she pushes them into uncomfortable situations for the sake of entertainment. These instances raise questions about the responsibility of talk show hosts when it comes to interviewing young guests.
12. The Power Dynamics at Play:
In some cases, the uncomfortable moments on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” can be attributed to the power dynamics between the host and her guests. DeGeneres’ quick wit and ability to steer conversations can sometimes overpower her guests, leaving them feeling uneasy. This aspect of the show’s format has sparked discussions about the balance of power in celebrity interviews.
13. Lessons Learned:
While DeGeneres has had her fair share of uncomfortable encounters with guests, it is important to acknowledge that these moments do not define her entire career. The talk show host has also used her platform to promote acts of kindness, support charitable causes, and bring joy to millions of viewers worldwide. It is through these positive contributions that DeGeneres continues to make a lasting impact.
Conclusion:
Ellen DeGeneres’ ability to entertain and engage with guests is undeniable. However, as these 13 instances demonstrate, even the most experienced talk show hosts can find themselves in uncomfortable situations. While DeGeneres’ unique brand of humor may not always resonate with everyone, it is her ability to learn and grow from these moments that will ultimately shape her legacy in the entertainment industry.
