Mariah Carey Explains Past Ellen DeGeneres Interview Experience: ‘I Did Not Enjoy That Moment’
The Ellen DeGeneres workplace scandal started out as a few whispers, turned into a viral internet conversation, and eventually culminated into a full-blown investigation.
Not only was evidence summoned from the furthest reaches of the web, but from the mouths of those directly affected.
Celebrities — some willingly, some unwillingly — were also looped into the scandal. Old clips from her show or social media comments turned stars into examples. And Mariah Carey was one of those swept up in the fray.
Twitter dug up Mariah Carey clip from ‘The Ellen Show’
Between April and August this year, DeGeneres was scrutinized for her treatment of guests and employees on her show. Compilations of “awkward” celebrity interviews began circulating online.
Twitter had a field day digging up clips of DeGeneres probing Dakota Johnson, Celine Dion, Taylor Swift, and of course, Carey. They all went viral.
In light of the current allegations against the talk show host, Carey’s guest appearance in 2008 rubbed many people the wrong way. DeGeneres brought up rumors about Carey being pregnant and attempted to goad the singer into drinking champagne. “Let’s toast to you not being pregnant,” said DeGeneres.
Carey tried to avoid the conversation and the champagne flute, and replied, “I can’t believe you did this to me, Ellen.” Guests laughed and Carey played along, but looking back, many fans find it cringey. You can watch the moment here.
Mariah Carey calls the exchange with Ellen DeGeneres ‘uncomfortable’
What many didn’t realize is that Carey was secretly pregnant at the time and had a miscarriage not long after her appearance on The Ellen Show. She tried to keep everything under wraps.
In a new interview Vulture, Carey addressed the resurfaced clip and how she really felt about now-infamous “toast.” It was not pleasant.
“I was extremely uncomfortable with that moment is all I can say. And I really have had a hard time grappling with the aftermath,” she said. “I wasn’t ready to tell anyone because I had had a miscarriage. I don’t want to throw anyone that’s already being thrown under any proverbial bus, but I didn’t enjoy that moment.”
Carey added that she wished a degree of empathy had been “implemented” to moments such as those. Though Carey’s reflection on the incident still brings back unpleasant feelings, she returned to DeGeneres show afterward.
In one subsequent appearance, she was pregnant with twins Moroccan and Monroe. But she didn’t trust the host to pour her a drink.
Amid controversy, some celebrities defended DeGeneres
While Lea Thompson and Brad Garrett indicated there’s toxicity on DeGeneres’ set, other celebrities rallied behind the host. Kevin Hart, Katy Perry, Diane Keaton, and Ashton Kutcher are among those who expressed their support for her.
Due to WarnerMedia’s internal investigation at her company, DeGeneres recently did some restructuring with her staff. Three top producers were cut in mid-August and more changes are underway.
The public is still divided about Ellen DeGeneres, but she vowed her show will return this fall and be “better than ever.”
As for Carey, she wants fans to check out her latest album, The Rarities, and her heartfelt memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, due out on Sept. 29.
