Ellen DeGeneres recently disclosed a troubling family secret, with the hope that her candid revelation will assist others facing similar challenges.
The comedian expressed her desire for greater protection during her vulnerable childhood and voiced her anger towards those who are skeptical of such experiences.
Born in Louisiana, Ellen DeGeneres rose to fame in the late 1970s, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.
Her significant breakthrough occurred in 1986 when she showcased her stand-up comedy on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which opened the door to more late-night appearances, consecutive club engagements, and television roles.
From 1989 to 1990, the now 66-year-old comedian secured her first regular television role as a cast member on the short-lived sitcom Open House, and in 1994, she became the lead in the comedy series These Friends of Mine, which was later renamed Ellen.
“I was laughing out loud when I read the script. I knew what I could do with it,” the acclaimed awards show host shared with the New York Times in 1994. “I wanted a show that would be the talk of the town the next day.”
And indeed, it was a topic of conversation, especially after she publicly came out as a lesbian both on the show and in her personal life. Although the series was canceled in 1998, leaving her heartbroken, she also revealed that year her relationship with actress Anne Heche.
“I saw the most stunning woman I had ever seen in my life standing across the room. Her name was Ellen DeGeneres. She was radiating,” Heche recalled of their first encounter. “At certain moments in life, people exude an energy and a glow of fabulousness. That was her!”
The couple’s relationship ended in 2000, and shortly thereafter, Heche shared some troubling aspects of her past.
In a 2001 interview with Barbara Walters, Heche disclosed that she had been sexually abused by her father, a trauma that began when she was just a toddler.
“He raped me,” stated the award-winning actress, who tragically passed away at the age of 53 in August 2022 following a devastating incident.It is often challenging for children to discuss experiences of abuse, as these events exist only in their memories. “I didn’t have a tape recorder with me… I didn’t engrave anything in stone,” remarked the star of Wag the Dog. “People can easily question, ‘How can you be certain?’ and that is one of the most distressing aspects. You simply don’t.”
Heche was not alone in facing trauma and subsequent skepticism following her revelation.
“Angry at skeptics”
“As a survivor of sexual abuse, I feel a deep anger towards those who refuse to believe and ask, ‘How can you not recall the exact date?’” DeGeneres expressed during an interview with Savannah Guthrie on Today in 2018. “You don’t remember those specifics. What stays with you are the events, your location, and your emotions. That is what you retain.” DeGeneres had previously shared her story while conversing with Busy Phillips on an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003 to 2022). Phillips, a television and film actress, disclosed that she was sexually assaulted at the age of 14.
In response to Phillips’ revelation, DeGeneres stated, “I was 15 when something happened to me… Anyone who has endured such an experience feels immense frustration when others doubt them or question, ‘Why did you wait so long?’” She added, “It’s because we are girls, and we are conditioned to remain silent and accept it.”
At that time, DeGeneres, a vegan and animal rights advocate, only briefly touched on her experience, but a year later, she spoke more candidly about the “very bad man.”
During a conversation with David Letterman on his Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, DeGeneres, who has been married to actress Portia de Rossi since 2008, revealed that the abuse began when she was around 15 or 16 years old.
She recounted that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, and her former stepfather exploited this situation to sexually assault her.
“He told me that when she was away, he had noticed a lump in her breast and needed to examine mine,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.DeGeneres initially concealed the assaults from her mother, and when she finally found the strength to reveal her experiences, her mother was unwilling to accept the truth.
“I should have prioritized my own well-being instead of protecting her. I kept silent for several years before finally speaking up,” she reflected on her mother, who remained married to the perpetrator for an additional 18 years. “…she didn’t believe me… Eventually, she left him after he altered his story multiple times.”
Discussing her enduring trauma, DeGeneres, who has continued to support her mother throughout the years, remarked, “I didn’t allow it to affect me much. But recently, I’ve thought, ‘I wish I had received better support. I wish she had believed me.’ She has expressed regret, but still…”
We hope that DeGeneres and others who speak out will inspire those who feel unable to voice their experiences. What are your thoughts on this narrative? We invite you to share your opinions and help spread the word to foster discussion on this sensitive issue.
From Stand-Up Comedy to Television Fame
Ellen’s comedic skills quickly transitioned from live performances to the small screen. Between 1989 and 1990, she took on her first regular television role in the short-lived sitcom Open House. Although the series was brief, it opened doors to greater opportunities. In 1994, she became the lead in her own sitcom, These Friends of Mine, which was later renamed Ellen. The show’s relatable humor and Ellen’s charming performance contributed to its immediate success. Reflecting on her initial response to the script, Ellen shared with The New York Times in 1994, “I was laughing out loud as I read it. I recognized its potential. I wanted a show that would be the talk of the town the following day.”
