Margaret Cho Reveals Ellen DeGeneres Was a “Mean Girl” and “Not Nice” for Most of Her Career

Margaret Cho, a pioneering figure in comedy and LGBTQ+ visibility, has publicly addressed her long and complicated relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, another trailblazer in the queer community. In a candid appearance on *The Kelly Mantle Show* podcast, Cho reflected on her decades-long interactions with DeGeneres, describing the former daytime talk show host as “a mean girl” and “not nice” for most of Cho’s career.

During the interview, Cho, 56, recalled knowing DeGeneres, 67, for many years, but said the public’s recent perception of DeGeneres as “mean” more accurately reflected her private experiences. “She was like a mean girl, kind of, but also she would be real nice,” Cho told podcast host Kelly Mantle, indicating that DeGeneres’ behavior was inconsistent and at times cold. Cho further suggested that personal dynamics may have played a role, adding, “I think she always had negative feelings toward me because her girlfriends and wives always liked me. ... There’s a kind of woman [who] loves a female comic… But yeah, Ellen was really weird, and not nice to me for most of my career”.

Cho’s remarks come amid broader scrutiny of DeGeneres’ professional conduct. In recent years, DeGeneres’ reputation as a beacon of kindness has been challenged by allegations from former staff and guests about a toxic work environment on the set of *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*, which concluded in 2022. However, Cho’s perspective is unique in that it focuses on peer-to-peer interactions within the LGBTQ+ community and the entertainment industry.

Ellen DeGeneres’ impact on LGBTQ+ representation remains significant. Her coming out in 1997 on her sitcom *Ellen* was a watershed moment for queer visibility in mainstream media. That episode not only marked the first time a leading character on American television came out as gay, but also led to greater representation and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals on screen. For this and her subsequent advocacy, DeGeneres was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Margaret Cho, meanwhile, has been a trailblazer in her own right—using her comedy platform to address issues of race, sexuality, and gender, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility throughout her career. Both Cho and DeGeneres have inspired many in the community, but Cho’s recent comments highlight that visibility does not always translate to solidarity or kindness behind the scenes.

As of press time, representatives for Ellen DeGeneres have not responded publicly to Cho’s claims. The entertainment industry and LGBTQ+ community have long grappled with the complexities of representation, inclusion, and interpersonal dynamics among high-profile figures. Cho’s willingness to speak out underscores the importance of honest conversations, even when they involve celebrated icons.

While DeGeneres’ contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility are undeniable, the discussion sparked by Cho’s comments raises questions about the need for accountability and the ways in which power dynamics and personal relationships shape the experiences of queer entertainers. The entertainment world, much like any other professional sphere, is not immune to the challenges of bias, exclusion, or interpersonal conflict—even between those who have blazed trails for others.