Ellen DeGeneres causes outrage over $55 "Be Kind" boxes
Ellen DeGeneres has been known as the “Be Kind” lady for years and after multiple toxic workplace allegations came forward this year, she’s trying to build back her reputation with her new “Be Kind” boxes.
The boxes, filled with goodies, are worth $270, with Ellen selling them for $55 a pop.
But her initiative was not well received, with the boxes being inundated with complaints.
The subscription box, full of Ellen’s ‘favourite things’ contains a painting set, earbuds, collapsible cup, a gold ‘hope’ necklace.
But fans took to social media to voice their complaints.
“The headphones in my box don’t work very well – very disappointed in the quality,” one Instagram user wrote.
“Never got my summer box, can’t get anyone to respond to my emails? I don’t even have an account anymore for some reason, but I still have my invoice.” commented another.
Another follower penned: “I am still waiting for my box … it’s been months.”
The workplace scandal which recently came to light has seem to have caused a massive hit in her ratings.
This season is averaging about 1.7 million viewers, which is nearly a 38 per cent drop from last year.
In the season premiere, Ellen addressed the issue.
“As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened,” Ellen told viewers.
“I take that very seriously, and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected. I know that I’m in a position of privilege and power, and I realise that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”
She added: “Being known as the ‘be-kind lady’ is a tricky position to be in. The truth is I am that person you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things. Sometimes I get sad, I get mad, I get anxious, I get frustrated, I get impatient. And I am working on all of that.”