Ellen DeGeneres Under Fire For Crossing Picket Line - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 11-09-2007, 11:01 AM

Ellen DeGeneres is facing the wrath of angry Hollywood protesters - after failing to act in support of the screenwriters' strikes. While fellow talkshow hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien have all stood in support of the striking members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), DeGeneres crossed picket lines to tape her show The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday - the day after the union went on strike.

Defending her actions, she told the studio audience, "There's a writers' strike going on, and here in Los Angeles, it's a huge story.I want to say I love my writers. I love them. In honor of them today, I'm not going to do a monologue. I support them and hope that they get everything they're asking for. And I hope it works out soon. In the meantime, people have traveled across the country. They've made plans. They're here. I want to do everything I can to make your trip enjoyable and give you a show."

But it's a decision DeGeneres may come to regret, as screenwriters are already attacking her decision.

One writer for her former 2001-2002 sitcom, The Ellen Show, reports she treated her writers "like s**t". The unnamed writer adds on his internet blog, "I'm disappointed in Ellen (for crossing the picket line) but not surprised... given what I've seen from her with my own two eyes."

A TV insider tells the New York Post's PageSix, "DeGeneres is unwilling to honor the picket line because this is her last chance in show business. This show is the only thing keeping her from a lifetime of touring college campuses."

A representative for the star has refused to comment.

GoldenGirlsFan92 · 11-09-2007, 08:22 PM

I'm on Ellens side! Go ELLEN! & I doubt tha she treats her writers like "sh**". Ellen is Great!

bingbangbaby · 11-09-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

A TV insider tells the New York Post's PageSix, "DeGeneres is unwilling to honor the picket line because this is her last chance in show business. This show is the only thing keeping her from a lifetime of touring college campuses."

Where is this "tv insider" getting his info from?? Ellen seems hotter than ever right now.

HuntingtonM15 · 11-09-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenGirlsFan92

I'm on Ellens side! Go ELLEN! & I doubt tha she treats her writers like "sh**". Ellen is Great!

I agree. Way to go, Ellen!

friendsfan77 · 11-10-2007, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingbangbaby

Where is this "tv insider" getting his info from?? Ellen seems hotter than ever right now.

I agree. It's one thing for people to be upset over this, but if you're gonna diss someone, be accurate.

For some reason, I have a hard time believing that bit about her treating her writers badly during The Ellen Show.

Dean Winchester · 11-10-2007, 08:22 PM

I'm on Ellen's side, unlike most of these writers and talk show hosts, Ellen would rather entertain the audience than deprive them of new shows because a lot of writers are whining about not getting enough money. Go Ellen, screw the writers who want to destroy the TV season out of greed.

Ireneparalegal · 11-10-2007, 09:45 PM

I don't believe that Ellen treated her writers (or former writers) like crap. Although I believe the writers' strike is a cause that needed to happen since one of their grievances is the 4 cents they receive for every DVD sale. I seen one writer on the picket line who mentioned on the news how she received a check last week and it was .01 cent. Who the hell can live on one penny? Those people worked hard and educated themselves to get where they are at and no show on television that depends on writers can move forward without them, so maybe this will teach them how valuable their work is. You can have all the biggest celebs on sitcoms, the best actors, the best sets, the best crew, but without writers, where is the show? Nowhere.

Brian Damage · 11-12-2007, 10:41 AM

November 12, 2007 -- WAR between two Hollywood unions has broken out over Ellen DeGeneres, who continues to host her popular daytime talk show in the face of a writers strike.

The striking Writers Guild has declared her a "scab" for going to work - but AFTRA, the actors union, has come to her defense.

As a member of the actors union, Ellen is "legally required by the no-strike clause of [the union] contract to report to work," Kim Roberts Hedgpeth, head of the actors union, wrote to the head of the writers union's East Coast unit.

Ellen is the biggest celebrity so far caught in the middle of the contentious strike because she belongs to both unions.

The writers union last week said she is "not welcome" in New York after she returned to work after only one day.

In a blunt, angry letter to the writers union, Hedgpeth said she was "stunned" at the attack on Ellen.

"We cannot fathom why we did not receive so much as a courtesy heads-up to discuss the situation," she wrote.

In an overly polite reply, the Writers Guild made it clear over the weekend that it was still going to make an example of the comedian.

"There is the obvious ethical issue, which is clearly present in Ms. DeGeneres' decision to write and produce a show . . . in the face of an industrywide walkout," the guild said. "Such a decision cannot be redeemed by your spirited and eloquent defense."

As the strike enters its second week today, the fight over DeGeneres promises more trouble when actors - many of whom stayed out of work to support the writers - are threatened with firing if they do not go back in the weeks ahead.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/11122007...len_459741.htm

GoldenGirlsFan92 · 11-12-2007, 08:01 PM

I'm still on Ellen's side. GO ELLEN! As far as I know she will still be going to Nw York for Thanksgiving.

Heidi · 11-15-2007, 05:25 PM

I am, too. People need to be allowed to make their own decisions, and do what they think is right. The Writer's Guild has said it is unethical. I don't think it is unethical. That is the Writer's Guild has decided that it is. Personally, I think it is unethical to make an example out of people. I'm glad the head of the Actor's Union stood up for her. I'd be a lot more sympathetic to the writers and their cause if they would stop doing things like using people as an example and insulting them.

TripperFan · 11-15-2007, 05:41 PM

I don't believe that for a minute.

And if the show is the only thing keeping her from college campuses, it's because of HER!!!!! She's the one everyone likes to tune in and watch - not some nerd at a desktop! Like she can't write some of her own material? Hellllo - didn't she have to write her own stuff when starting out as a comedian in the first place? She wrote her own stuff when she appeared on Carson - several times.

Not that I don't sympathize with the writers, but don't start picking on stars just because they don't get into YOUR fight. If it wasn't for that star, they might just not have a job in the first place. Boneheads.

friendsfan77 · 11-15-2007, 06:11 PM

She already said she wasn't doing monologues with their help or other writer-invloved things until the strike is over. What the hell more do they want?! For God's sake, Ellen's show is a TALK SHOW. She can handle the show her damn self. In the mean time, I'm sure she's got a warm comfy spot for her writers when the strike is over.

EmoJoe · 11-15-2007, 09:12 PM

these writers are getting a little bit out of hand. i'm on their side, but seriously. does it effect the strike THAT MUCH because Ellen is still taping? if she can still tape, then fine - the more shows not effected by this, the better. there's no reason to whine about it.

Janice · 11-15-2007, 11:34 PM

Why is Ellen being singled out? Has Oprah stopped or other daytime talk shows?

sweetdiggity · 11-16-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Why is Ellen being singled out? Has Oprah stopped or other daytime talk shows?

I heard on the news that Oprah's show doesn't employ union writers so her show will not be effected by the strike and can continue. Same for "The View".

I guess Ellen is being singled out because her show does employ union writers and she is the only one, so far, who crossed the picket line.

I think they should leave her alone.

11-09-2007, 11:01 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Ellen DeGeneres Under Fire For Crossing Picket Line Ellen DeGeneres is facing the wrath of angry Hollywood protesters - after failing to act in support of the screenwriters' strikes. While fellow talkshow hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien have all stood in support of the striking members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), DeGeneres crossed picket lines to tape her show The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday - the day after the union went on strike. Defending her actions, she told the studio audience, "There's a writers' strike going on, and here in Los Angeles, it's a huge story.I want to say I love my writers. I love them. In honor of them today, I'm not going to do a monologue. I support them and hope that they get everything they're asking for. And I hope it works out soon. In the meantime, people have traveled across the country. They've made plans. They're here. I want to do everything I can to make your trip enjoyable and give you a show." But it's a decision DeGeneres may come to regret, as screenwriters are already attacking her decision. One writer for her former 2001-2002 sitcom, The Ellen Show, reports she treated her writers "like s**t". The unnamed writer adds on his internet blog, "I'm disappointed in Ellen (for crossing the picket line) but not surprised... given what I've seen from her with my own two eyes." A TV insider tells the New York Post's PageSix, "DeGeneres is unwilling to honor the picket line because this is her last chance in show business. This show is the only thing keeping her from a lifetime of touring college campuses." A representative for the star has refused to comment.
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11-09-2007, 08:22 PM	#2
GoldenGirlsFan92 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 21, 2005 Location: Louisana Posts: 2,243	I'm on Ellens side! Go ELLEN! & I doubt tha she treats her writers like "sh**". Ellen is Great!
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11-10-2007, 09:45 PM	#7
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I don't believe that Ellen treated her writers (or former writers) like crap. Although I believe the writers' strike is a cause that needed to happen since one of their grievances is the 4 cents they receive for every DVD sale. I seen one writer on the picket line who mentioned on the news how she received a check last week and it was .01 cent. Who the hell can live on one penny? Those people worked hard and educated themselves to get where they are at and no show on television that depends on writers can move forward without them, so maybe this will teach them how valuable their work is. You can have all the biggest celebs on sitcoms, the best actors, the best sets, the best crew, but without writers, where is the show? Nowhere.
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11-15-2007, 05:41 PM	#11
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,086	I don't believe that for a minute. And if the show is the only thing keeping her from college campuses, it's because of HER!!!!! She's the one everyone likes to tune in and watch - not some nerd at a desktop! Like she can't write some of her own material? Hellllo - didn't she have to write her own stuff when starting out as a comedian in the first place? She wrote her own stuff when she appeared on Carson - several times. Not that I don't sympathize with the writers, but don't start picking on stars just because they don't get into YOUR fight. If it wasn't for that star, they might just not have a job in the first place. Boneheads.
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

11-15-2007, 09:12 PM	#13
EmoJoe Cool cool cool Forum Addict Join Date: Apr 23, 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 71,478	these writers are getting a little bit out of hand. i'm on their side, but seriously. does it effect the strike THAT MUCH because Ellen is still taping? if she can still tape, then fine - the more shows not effected by this, the better. there's no reason to whine about it.
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11-10-2007, 08:22 PM	#6
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	I'm on Ellen's side, unlike most of these writers and talk show hosts, Ellen would rather entertain the audience than deprive them of new shows because a lot of writers are whining about not getting enough money. Go Ellen, screw the writers who want to destroy the TV season out of greed.

11-12-2007, 10:41 AM	#8
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	November 12, 2007 -- WAR between two Hollywood unions has broken out over Ellen DeGeneres, who continues to host her popular daytime talk show in the face of a writers strike. The striking Writers Guild has declared her a "scab" for going to work - but AFTRA, the actors union, has come to her defense. As a member of the actors union, Ellen is "legally required by the no-strike clause of [the union] contract to report to work," Kim Roberts Hedgpeth, head of the actors union, wrote to the head of the writers union's East Coast unit. Ellen is the biggest celebrity so far caught in the middle of the contentious strike because she belongs to both unions. The writers union last week said she is "not welcome" in New York after she returned to work after only one day. In a blunt, angry letter to the writers union, Hedgpeth said she was "stunned" at the attack on Ellen. "We cannot fathom why we did not receive so much as a courtesy heads-up to discuss the situation," she wrote. In an overly polite reply, the Writers Guild made it clear over the weekend that it was still going to make an example of the comedian. "There is the obvious ethical issue, which is clearly present in Ms. DeGeneres' decision to write and produce a show . . . in the face of an industrywide walkout," the guild said. "Such a decision cannot be redeemed by your spirited and eloquent defense." As the strike enters its second week today, the fight over DeGeneres promises more trouble when actors - many of whom stayed out of work to support the writers - are threatened with firing if they do not go back in the weeks ahead. http://www.nypost.com/seven/11122007...len_459741.htm

11-12-2007, 08:01 PM	#9
GoldenGirlsFan92 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 21, 2005 Location: Louisana Posts: 2,243	I'm still on Ellen's side. GO ELLEN! As far as I know she will still be going to Nw York for Thanksgiving.

11-15-2007, 05:25 PM	#10
Heidi Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Dec 09, 2002 Location: Wallingford Connecticut Posts: 76	I am, too. People need to be allowed to make their own decisions, and do what they think is right. The Writer's Guild has said it is unethical. I don't think it is unethical. That is the Writer's Guild has decided that it is. Personally, I think it is unethical to make an example out of people. I'm glad the head of the Actor's Union stood up for her. I'd be a lot more sympathetic to the writers and their cause if they would stop doing things like using people as an example and insulting them.

11-15-2007, 06:11 PM	#12
friendsfan77 - Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 02, 2004 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 3,165	She already said she wasn't doing monologues with their help or other writer-invloved things until the strike is over. What the hell more do they want?! For God's sake, Ellen's show is a TALK SHOW. She can handle the show her damn self. In the mean time, I'm sure she's got a warm comfy spot for her writers when the strike is over.

11-15-2007, 11:34 PM	#14
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Why is Ellen being singled out? Has Oprah stopped or other daytime talk shows?