Rosie O’Donnell is the latest celebrity to chime in on the controversy surrounding Ellen DeGeneres. Speaking to Busy Philipps on the latest episode of her podcast, the comedian and former television personality has defended Ellen against allegations of her daytime talk show’s toxic workplace.
Rosie, who hosted her own talk show between 1996 and 2002, says she has “compassion” for Ellen – even though she “hears the stories” and “understands.” Her take? “You can’t fake your essence,” she notes. “I think [Ellen] has some social awkwardness.”
Rosie hasn’t appeared on the “Ellen Show” herself, and she has a reason – it’s technically on Ellen, but not because she’s “mean.” “You know how Ellen surprises everyone?” Rosie adds. “I’ve never done that show because I’m terrified she’s going to scare me and give me a heart attack.”
