Not-so-fun: What being in ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ audience is like
2020 was not Ellen DeGeneres’s year. She has faced all kinds of criticism for a whole variety of behaviors, such as complaining about being stuck in her mansion during quarantine, acting like a tyrant on set, treating employees poorly, and now, the same accusations are coming from her audience members. Turns out, being an audience member at The Ellen DeGeneres Show might not be the fun & games it seems.
An incident, in particular, has been highlighted as being particularly heinous & improper. Although the incident was aired under the guise of good fun, as both Ellen & the audience member that was targeted smiled while the cameras were rolling, a closer examination of what happened reveals the truth: Ellen is downright mean.
In an incident that occurred a little while ago, Ellen set up a desk at the front of her studio to “see how honest the audience was”. She laid out Ellen’s merchandise and told audience members they were allowed to take one item each, at no cost. While the event looked like a gift, the intention was actually a little more sinister. Ellen clearly states she wanted to see if she could catch anyone violating the terms of the giveaway. In other words, she was looking for people to call out.
Ellen did say that the majority of her audience members that day did actually adhere to the guidelines and take only one item each. However, the daytime host wasted absolutely no time publicly shaming an audience member that didn’t.
Ellen’s team set up the table, rigged it with hidden cameras, and did not tell the incoming audience members that they were currently being filmed. The hidden cameras captured an audience member clearly taking more than the one gift item. Ellen used the footage of this occurring, without the woman’s permission, and aired it during the show, shaming the woman on national television for her actions.
As Ellen calls this woman out as the show is airing, she is smiling and giggling. However, the language she is using clearly denotes her true feelings on the issue. She uses the words “stolen items” and suggests that the audience member probably shoplifts and steals in other situations too. Ellen lectures the audience member, who we learn is called Nancy, about being a good person.
The audience aren’t alone in suffering the wrath of Ellen. Here’s our article bringing you the most cringeworthy interviews hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.
As if the humiliation of being publicly called out on camera wasn’t enough, Ellen then demands that the audience member move from her seat and sit in “Ellen jail”. The audience member is moved to a prominent location at the front of the set, ensuring everyone can see her at all times. Ellen appeared to delight in the public humiliation of her fans.
Have you always wanted to go and participate in a taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show? Well, we found the rules the show has created for members of its audience. Check out this exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts that you must adhere to if you’re sitting in one of her coveted audience seats. We gotta say, some of them are pretty out there, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show appears unapologetic about them all!
Do you want to see just how mean Ellen can be? Here’s our article focused on the most problematic episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Rules for audience
- Leave your knitting needles at home – meaning you can’t bring in weapons
- No shouting out things – even if you’re showing love to guest onstage
- Metal detectors are used – they say it’s tighter than airport security
- Prepare to be cold – they keep the temp pretty low in the studio
- No autographs – the size of the audience and lack of time are cited as reasons
- Arrive in the biggest car you can – you could be the one taking home the massive amount of freebies Ellen gives away
- Fans have to dress for the occasion – “dressy jeans” at a minimum and you should wear bright colors
- Coordinating outfits isn’t allowed – you can’t coordinate outfits with your friends for reasons unknown. You do have the opportunity to purchase Ellen-related clothes in the backstage hangout area but you cannot wear that during the show taping either
- The audience must be prepared to dance – it seems just as much time is spent on your feet as it is in your seat
- Even celebrities have to dance – even in the 30-second commercial breaks fans are told to dance and even the celebrity guests aren’t safe from the constant demands
- You must take care of your own accommodation – the show’s online FAQs section doesn’t even offer suggestions
- Fans with special needs must give two weeks’ notice – although this rule may seem a little excessive during this lengthy period of notice the producers can ensure any potential issues are ironed out
- Anyone under 14 is out of luck – you must provide a valid ID showing your age. Event celebrity guests under the age of 14 can’t technically sit in the audience
- Fans have to line up outside – luckily the weather in LA is mild but fans have reported waiting hours before producers let them in
- Fans need to be there super early – if you don’t have guaranteed seats then you better be in line early
- Snacks are forbidden – If you try to sneak food in be prepared for some severe consequences
- Fans might be separated from their family and friends – you get a number and that’s the order in which you can enter the studio so you may end up by strangers
- Info about the show is kept top secret – you have an idea of what you’re going to get but most of it is kept secret. The first time you find out which celeb is coming is when they walk out on the stage
- Each row has to devise their own dance – the rows are asked to devise their own dance moves and perform it in unison
- Front row fans must know today’s pop hits – you gotta bust out your best dance moves and also be singing along to the hit that’s playing. I hope you’re good at multi-tasking
- Game players must be super chipper – no surprise here. No one wants to watch a dud onstage
- Even the clapping is choreographed – The audience is told exactly when and how to respond by a designated staff member
- No t-shirts or shorts – no flip flops or hats either
- Producers check your excitement – if you want to increase your chances of being chosen as a participant during the show then you better bring your A-game when it comes to energy
- Fans must get gifts checked by security – no one gets to deliver a present by hand to Ellen and they must all go through security before getting to her
- Fans get just one freebie – don’t try to take home more than one freebie. You may just get caught and called out in front of everyone
- Chewing gum is forbidden – gum is a no-no as it’s not attractive on the screen and may keep you from singing those pop hits when Ellen enters. Oh yeah it’s a pain to clean up too
- You can’t sell your tickets – if you’re lucky enough to get tickets don’t even try reselling them to make money. If the person who shows up isn’t the person on the ticket then they won’t get in
- Recording the show is a no-no – fans can keep their cell phones but they must be switched off while in the studio
- Travel expenses aren’t reimbursed after a canceled show – if you live in the area you’re probably fine but if you’re coming from out of town you might be losing a small fortune
Tickets to tapings of Ellen’s show have been sought after, and ridiculously hard to get for a decade now. Have you been to a taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show? We’d love to hear about your experiences in her audience.
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Things appear to be going from bad to worse for Ellen DeGeneres. Check out the details of Ellen and Portia’s potential divorce.
Lora Lee
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Yes I remember that show I don’t watch very often but this day I did and I felt sorry for this women especially when she made the comment that she probably steals at other stores the girl was embarrassed you could tell. But over all I like ellen shes funny and cracks me up alot I really like her game show I watch that once in a while. All the rest to me is just bullshit I’m sure the same rules apply to other tv shows. Now mind you I dont like her politics but that’s her opinion which shes untitled to. She does alot for charities which I applaud.
August 10, 2020Gail McGrath
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We have bigger fish to fry people!! The world is in a pandemic!! Ellen has faults just like the rest of us. Don’t go to her show if ur having doubts. She has been so life-changing to some people. Put ur energies into something useful.
August 10, 2020Dorothy
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Who doesn’t like Ellen? She has a great show. Maybe she’s too honest about what’s happening in the world now but that’s a good thing we need honest people in this day and time. Leave Ellen alone y’all!
August 10, 2020Devi Rodham
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I’ve been to the Ellen Show TWICE and had a great time! She was a blast, her staff was fun and so were the other audience members. I don’t recall all of those “rules” posted above. I guess I won’t be going back for a third time as she’s probably going to be canceled.
August 10, 2020Dar
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Oh please!! I’ve been to an Oprah show and the rules were pretty much the same.
August 10, 2020Sue
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I’ve always thought Ellen got sick pleasure out of humiliating people. As a matter of fact her game show is a prime example
August 10, 2020Freddy
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Cancel the friggin show and lets get a person of colour in now!?💪🏾
August 10, 2020Nick
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All I have to say is Ellen is an awful nasty person and it’s about time someone called her out for her godawful behavior. She should resign and go away for good. We don’t need that kind of negativity being broadcast everywhere. We already have enough to suffer thru.
August 10, 2020Debbie23jefferson@gmail.com
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I Agree Totally!!!💯
August 10, 2020Kathy Seabrease
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I was fortunate enough to get tickets 3 years in a row when she taped here in Florida…the taping doesn’t start until 1:30…outside in the hot sun….you have to get in line starting at 7:30 am…seating is first come…there are stands around selling Ellen Memorabilia and breakfast. .. I can’t remember there being a dress code. I think I wore flip flops, T shirt and shorts… ut this was being filmed at Universal Studios CityWalk. They didn’t start seating until 11:30,so you are standing for quite a while. As you are being lead through thr roped off area to the seats, you are given 1 bottle of water… you sit for about an hour., then you have to start dancing while the cameras on swinging arms in the air, film all around you… a warm up person comes out for a while. Then you are dancing again… We only knew the singing guest cause they did sound checks….John Mellancamp gave a kinda mini concery after warm up. Once the show starts, it is kinda exciting… it is not filmed in the order shown on TV… Ellen is very funny and entertaining…while the cameras are on….once they break. she just sits in her chair looking at things and they touch up her make up. She was never rude or mean, she just didn’t engage with the audience unless the cameras are on…a good thimg, I lucked out the last couple of years and won seasons passes to Universal thst she gave out to the audience…
August 10, 2020Loredana. Qualls
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I loved ellen , till I found out her real personality! Karma comes back to her .Trust me !! I can’t stand her ! She is evil !
August 10, 2020Janet Schwoerer
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I was in the audience for Jay Leno during his last season on air…. it was a wonderful experience I will never forget! The rules were similar, but no dancing or anything like that. It was cold, but they warned us, and being warm natured, I was kinda glad! We had to sit outside for about four hours but again, we were warned and they tried to make us comfortable… it was covered and they had misters to help (it was in July!) It wasn’t bad though… we live in the Deep South and it was a vacation by comparison. Our tickets did not have seat numbers, and because we had a handicapped person in our group, they seated us ultimately in the front row in front of the band! We had to wait, yes, and outside, but they did their best to be nice and keep us comfortable! Jay came out on stage right before the start and talked casually to everyone and was super nice and posed for a few pics. Told everyone what would happen and that they would be quick. He was right. It took about an hour to film a one hour show! Everything was 100% organized…. it was a truly great experience and organized by true professionals so that not only the TV viewers enjoyed the show, but also the audience. It was great! Jay and his team were true professionals!
August 10, 2020joseph
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What happens when you put a person on a pedestal? Not surprised seeing the large ego on the one end, and the minions on the other. How about being your own entertainer…?
August 10, 2020Barbara
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I have found her to be offensive for a few years now. How is it there is never a sexual harassment outcry with her asking a man to take his shirt off, or their pants so she can see his ELLEN underwear? During her humiliation of those on her show and audience members, she’s loving it. Look at her her face, there’s a smugness she knows she can do anything and get away with it. The constant childish pranks she plays on guest and producers. Something jumping out of the table to scare a guest, the ridiculous games, in my opinion are meant to humiliate the participants, you can see it on her face! She does do a lot of good for people, I figure she does that to show she’s really nice. I don’t know how the celebs can stand it. I have thought this about her for years, nothing that has come up in recent weeks. Oh and her producers…her treatment of her producers is appalling, in particular Andy, she’s all snug in her mansion and he’s outside doing whatever she says. I don’t believe she’s at all nice unless it suits her to be.
August 10, 2020Susan
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I’ve been on another talk show and those rules are pretty normal.
August 10, 2020Sarah
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Definitely too many sensitive people out there! Ellen is a light in this dark world, she makes people laugh and smile and gives so much back to people. Nothing about this list of ‘rules’ is unreasonable, her show is there to uplift people and to be upbeat. Her ‘setting up’ audience members is not out of mean spirit, and the lady did not once seem upset or put out by it. She makes people laugh, her sense of humor, just like anyone’s sense of humor, isn’t for everyone, but to say she is a mean or unkind person is ridiculous. I pray that all of this negativity being braught to her, does not defer her from continuing to do what she has done for so many years, which is make people laugh, give people an hour break every day from their lives and HELP people. She brings to light things that people are struggling with every day and shows people that they are not alone, it is so sad to see how quick people will jump on to any kind of band wagon that brings hurt to someone.
August 10, 2020Sasha
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She sucks. Her head is almost bigger than her ears. She thinks she’s all that. She’s a smartass. It doesn’t matter what she has done for others, it is how she makes some people feel. Never liked her
August 10, 2020Amanda
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Ive seen where she gets embarrassing photos from peoples social media and shows it live on air! She gets her kicks by humiliating people and it’s sad! I love all her fans sticking up for her, come on people even other celebrities and people she works for are saying how bad she is, she doesn’t know you or care that you “have her back!”
August 10, 2020Viviane
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The rules are reasonable ,the woman took more then what she was allowed.maybe next time she will think twice .
August 10, 2020What was she thinking ,she must know ,now days you can be recorded.
No cell phones ,big whoop, none are allowed in theatres churches etc. Not chewing gum,do you really want to look like a cow when the camera is shown on you. I do think a diabetic should bring snacks .
Nurses You Move Me.
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I supported Ellen DeGeneres . After I read some of the complaints I recalled so many behavior that needed modification like during the games, hiding someone in a nearby table and let him or her jump out when a celebrity is having a conversation with her. She is mean and highly arrogant and very smart,I totally agreed. But her kindness should overshadowed her meanest behavior. Please don’t judge her for not so great behavior rather judge her by her kindness. If she want to find out if someone stole something. Why should you steal something?. Stealing a basic gift?.If you can do that. It shows that is your pattern of behavior.Shaming you is not a bad idea so that you don’t forget your bad behavior. But shaming you publicly might be too much. I understand.
August 10, 2020I like her generosity, she is so generous to little children,helping them and building their confidence.I love that behavior so much. And you watch those children walk and dance like they are princes and princesses. At times, I cried to see how she is making a difference in little children lives. That is what I will remember Ellen DeGeneres for.
Ellen DeGeneres deserves better. To err is human to forgive is divine. She complained that you she is bored in her mansion. What is wrong with that?.Are we not bored?. Call a spade a spade.Yes if you are very active person you will be bored staying home for five months during this COVID19 PANDEMIC. If you want to remove her from her Show go ahead.Ellen DeGeneres will survive. But please don’t give a dog a bad name and hang the dog that is unfair.
Sj
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Ellen is not alone in being a d-bag; most television people in front of and behind the camera are soulless mean high school types. The nature of television requires the daily exploitation of others to supply its schedule — it eats people. Be it Fallon or DeGeneres, these people may have started out with higher ideals but the grind of the show and the relentless schedule turns people into objects and numbers and ‘us vs them’. It’s the nature of the biz.
August 10, 2020Lisa
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Ellen is completely full of herself …. a ” cover girl” … She is disgusting and extremely mean with no class. I want to vomit on her shoes👍🏼
August 10, 2020Nari Noelle
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I’ve been watching Ellen’s show for years and years.; you’re big-hearted, good person, funny,
August 10, 2020and a great Entertainer. Please stay on and know you are loved❤❤❤❤❤
Marie
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I was in the audience years ago, and felt that some of the stuff was discriminitory. Felt like she always wanted the prettyist people in the front of the show.
August 10, 2020Phyllis Wagner
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Really? You feel these rules are unreasonable? I don’t see an issue with any of them. Also…if you think this is being treated poorly…get tickets for The View. We visited there last year and their process of waiting is awful and the “ladies” never even try to make eye contact with the audience except for those VIP guests. Stephen Colbert…on the other hand..is the most gracious host ever! So genuine and his staff treats people respectfully!
August 10, 2020Martha Morales
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I can honestly say I have never watched her show! I know of her for all the wrong reasons. She displayed “Evil” humiliating audience guest, the audience is what feeds her. She does no favors audience, she needs them. So glad I don”t watch her dumb show.
August 10, 2020David e
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Given that the audience is required to dance,there’s one rule that I’m surprised hasn’t be implemented :ladies should be banned from wearing high heeled shoes.It makes sense when you think about it and it would be any more unusual or restrictive than any of the other rules she has in place.Its hard to dance in heels!
August 10, 2020Ed Cavanagh
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Seriously everyone is bored and because Ellen is at the Top right now , people can hardly wait to rip her apart . Remember be kind !!!! Leave Ellen alone
August 10, 2020Diana
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What rubbish. I was in a taping of the Tonight show and most of the things on this list are the same for that too -except the dancing. The cold studio, the lining up, no bathroom breaks once you are in, no yelling out things, lining up next to people you want to sit with or you could be separated, etc. we stood in line in the NYC June heat for 3 hours to get in with tickets already ordered a month in advance, another 40 minutes inside the lobby when everyone took their one and only potty break, then entered the freezing studio and waited another half hour for the show to start. It was worth every minute. and no goodies to take home.
August 10, 2020Lisa mckenzie
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I would have left not let her do that.
August 10, 2020EllenDetector
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So many Ellens in the comments section smh.
August 10, 2020Sandra McArthur
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I think covid has got into too many heads! You can’t speak of anything without the fear of YOU JUST SAID BAD WORDS……. Come on people I really don’t think Ellen is terrible. If people don’t like her they shouldn’t be there. And YES people do make mistakes but going this far is ridiculous! I’m talking about Ellen.
August 10, 2020Andrew
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No chewing gum, don’t wear sweatpants and pay for your hotel? And don’t steal? Sounds reasonable to me.
August 10, 2020Mary A Haynes
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I think maybe she got too famous for her own good.
August 10, 2020Leave people alone, we are all guilty of things that we wouldn’t want others to know. She does a lot of good and l think celebrity arrogants is pretty much expected. We put them on a pedestal , so this is what you get. They are no better than we are so let’s quit idolizing them !
Adriana
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Yes, shaming that poor woman was very mean. Ellen has always seemed rude to me, so I never watched her. I don’t think she should lose her show for this just get her some therapy.
August 10, 2020Adriana Iriarte
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Yes, it was mean to humiliate that woman, but Ellen has always seemed rude to mean, so I never watched her show. Don’t cancel her; just give her therapy.
August 10, 2020John Jones
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She is mean. Just watch her actions and her expressions on her face. Evil is the word I meant to use.
August 10, 2020Karen Mallon
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Nothing about the rules sound outrages to me people know what they’re in for you have to have a semblance of order with a big audience..one thing I will agree with she does seem to get joy out of humiliating people.
August 10, 2020Grace
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Besides making people wait for hours to get in to the show these rules are not unreasonable. That said, it always amazes me that our society sets certain people up to be worshiped and then complains when they act like gods!! She’s just human. She does nice things and she has a bitchy side….just like everyone else. Everyone seems so shocked that she isn’t really as nice as she makes herself out to be…..really,?? Get a grip people, nobody is that nice and I hate to break it to you but the fault lies with anyone who actually believes the Hollywood hype in the first place.
August 10, 2020Marlene Roldan
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Ellen is a comic–comics feed off of their audience—-I don’t care for her games—people getting wet or slimed—I wouldn’t do it—but for others more power to them—this is her job—and she should run a tight ship—she gives to deserving people—-from what I have seen of her over all these years—she is not a racist—I for one will keep on watching her—
August 10, 2020Sha G
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All other shows have the same rules
August 10, 2020Vilene Strimbu
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There was nothing unreasonable in those rules. As for the secret taping and shaming a guest publicly for taking two trinkets instead of one…not cool.
August 10, 2020bob
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You people have lost your mind. Society has started to eat itself. You now are inventing ways to take offense at pereived micro aggressions. Nobody wants to abide by rules. Everyone is a victim of some sorts. common sense is no longer in existence. Over sensitiveness has gone nuclear. Social media has brought back the 1600s.
August 10, 2020Towanda
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Really!?! Rules are rules!?! She’s a comedian and does a LOT of good for others!! Unlike #45 who is a POS!
August 10, 2020Linda
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I had such an amazing experience as a audience member. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcomed. It was a wonderful day!! Wish I could do it again!
August 10, 2020Chris A. Duffield
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I was an audience member several years ago, and many of the things on this list are untrue. However, she is so far from the audience and doesn’t look at anyone when she dances through the audience. It almost feels like you’re not really there.
August 10, 2020L Hanley
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Never liked her Now I know why
August 10, 2020L Credeur
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Iv been a fan of Ellen Degeneres , and remember the first time I watch her on Johnney Carson show. And will continue being a fan. No one is prefect, yes there are issues here and seems they will be addressed. All these people saying cancel her show are the same people in society who enjoys watching someone fail!! We’re humans we all have issues to work on including myself. Peace and Love and remember be kind! ❤️✌🏻
August 10, 2020Lynne P
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I’ve thought that some of Ellen’s pranks, this one in particular, have been kind of mean. That being said, I don’t think the audience demands are all that different than other live shows. I’ve been to a couple and the guidelines were very similar. Each rule has a specific reason. With regards to dress code and placement, it’s all done for better visuals when the crowd is shown. To make these rules seem exclusive to Ellen, under the guise of being mean, really is just unfair.
August 10, 2020Nancy
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I’ve been in the audience and had a great time. Nome of the rules are unreasonable.
August 10, 2020