A new string of reports about the future of the award-winning The Ellen DeGeneres Show has suggested that not only does its star want "out of the show", but that another comedian, host of The Late Late Show on CBS James Corden, will be "replacing" her, according to Page Six and The Sun, citing anonymous "insiders". According to the reports, James Corden has always been seeking this position, but the deal itself is far from being considered done, as there are also other unnamed potential candidates.
Whether or not the key position on The Ellen DeGeneres Show will be vacant is also an open question, as the host herself has not confirmed the Us Weekly report that cited an anonymous source as claiming that Ellen DeGeneres feels like a "target" because of her success and is considering leaving the show.
"She is p*ssed that people have come forward to share these negative stories about her and feels betrayed. She knows she can be tough at times but believes she works hard and is extremely creative and that it’s a privilege to work for her and be around her", the source said.
The reports of her potentially leaving the show, purportedly due to the massive backlash it has been facing in light of recent toxicity, racism, and sexual harassment accusations against the people behind it, have caused a stir on social media, with the hashtag #ReplaceEllen trending on Twitter on 3 August. Notably, the hashtag went viral despite the fact that most of the reports didn't even suggest that DeGeneres was herself involved in the misconducts in any capacity, although two sources accused her of turning a blind eye to the problems.
The hashtag has brought together not only those who genuinely dislike the show's star, but also those who are ready to say "good riddance" to the show altogether.
#ReplaceEllen is trending and that’s what happens when your mean and have a brand based on being nice. #windowtreatment pic.twitter.com/K440s3ThF9
— Zach (@Zach759699) August 3, 2020
Not replace but cancel 😒 i never liked her i always thought she was a fraud and fake and i was right 😏 now the truth is coming out about her being mean and nasty and dirty behind the scenes to her staff and folks are surprised 😒 #ReplaceEllen
— D_MNyc77 (@mnyc77) August 3, 2020
At the same time, there were few twitterians who were inspired by the possibility of James Corden taking up her mantle, with many instead suggesting "better" options - which not only included other comedians and prominent American figures…
#ReplaceEllen with @EllenPage huh good idea right?! pic.twitter.com/hlhw2DXwll
— Jordan Mickens (@MickensJordan) August 3, 2020
#ReplaceEllen with Sean Evans. He’s such a respectful guy and his show is both inventive and entertaining. Give #HotOnes a TV spot! pic.twitter.com/rLmmGl4fqs
— Alex_Hitt (@AlexHitt2000) August 3, 2020
#ReplaceEllen Imagine if they gave Michelle Obama the spot. pic.twitter.com/TNpLu2pSbY
— Simon Gloom (@simongloom) August 3, 2020
…but also, oddly enough, animals.
Replace Ellen with Limu Imu. Far more entertaining. #ReplaceEllen pic.twitter.com/vTuwTvOwCY
— Cookie (@krazycaregiver) August 3, 2020
#ReplaceEllen with my cat, the show would be funnier 😝 pic.twitter.com/rTKiDZ0D29
— Kurt Williams Ricks (@kurtjive) August 3, 2020
Others found the hashtag #ReplaceEllen "stupid", arguing that DeGeneres "built" the show herself and that if she leaves, she should "take" it with her.
#ReplaceEllen is stupid.
— JusLovey (@AgapeLoveAllDay) August 3, 2020
When someone builds their wealth and fame through their own blood sweat and tears, you don't take what was built to give to someone else because now you don't like them. If she's out, she takes @TheEllenShow with her.#KeepEllen She has helped so many.
The notion of Ellen DeGeneres being replaced couldn’t avoid touching on other sensitive issues, such as LGBTQ+ matters and racism, with some netizens turning the discussion into a debate on which racial or sexual minority the next show’s host should represent.
If they don’t replace Ellen with a woman of color, they’re no better than nazis. In fact all white people on tv should be replaced with people of color. It’s about time our tv represents the real world not just whiteness #ReplaceEllen
— Antonio Millingbaum (@millingbaum) August 3, 2020
If you #ReplaceEllen, you hate LGBTQIA+ people.
— Dick Jackman, Super Hero Investigator🕵️♂️ (@DickJackman1) August 3, 2020
If you don't, you're a racist.
If you do nothing, wait for evidence, sit back and relax... you're a Republican.
I ❤ The Left pic.twitter.com/znDYAKOjnR
At the same time, DeGeneres found support on social media from her hardcore fans, who stood up to support the star comedian and her right to stay on the show regardless of the scandals.
#ReplaceEllen #keepellen Ellen is so talented, I’m sure she’s taken this to heart, let her use this moment to improve and change❤️ pic.twitter.com/XfqQq1I02E
— 𝓛𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓛𝓲𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓽𝔂 🕯🇺🇸☁️ (@potentcogency) August 3, 2020
No one can #ReplaceEllen! Give that woman the chance to right the wrong. Ya’ll cray!
— Gerren Peterson (@GerrenPeterson) August 3, 2020
People jump on any bandwagon. https://t.co/MQSK9hJZZO
