controversy
On April 30, 1997, Ellen’s TV show aired an episode in which she, as the leading character, decided to come out as a lesbian. At the same time, Ellen was sharing this news in the real world. Lots of controversy followed the episode’s release. ABC was being pressured to put parental advisory warnings at the beginnings of episodes that featured Ellen with another woman. The episode itself won an Emmy. (Ellen Degeneres. Biography)
Relieved that her secret was finally out, Ellen began dating Actress Anne Heche. At the same time, hatecrimes against the LGBT community were starting to emerge. 22 year old Matthew Shepard was beaten and tied to a fence. Ellen was shocked and saddened by this, and gave a moving speech at Matthew’s memorial. “Right now, homosexuals are the target of, at the very least, discrimination and at the very worst hate and violence,” she said through tears “this is what I was trying to stop, this is exactly why I did what I did.” (Ellen Degeneres. Biography)
Ellen and Anne’s relationship was met with a lot of scrutiny, and they eventually broke it off. Shortly after, Anne married cameraman Coley Laffoon. (Ellen Degeneres. Biography)
A year after the coming out episode, Ellen was finally cancelled due to its controversial content. (Ellen Degeneres. Biography)
Relieved that her secret was finally out, Ellen began dating Actress Anne Heche. At the same time, hatecrimes against the LGBT community were starting to emerge. 22 year old Matthew Shepard was beaten and tied to a fence. Ellen was shocked and saddened by this, and gave a moving speech at Matthew’s memorial. “Right now, homosexuals are the target of, at the very least, discrimination and at the very worst hate and violence,” she said through tears “this is what I was trying to stop, this is exactly why I did what I did.” (Ellen Degeneres. Biography)
Ellen and Anne’s relationship was met with a lot of scrutiny, and they eventually broke it off. Shortly after, Anne married cameraman Coley Laffoon. (Ellen Degeneres. Biography)
A year after the coming out episode, Ellen was finally cancelled due to its controversial content. (Ellen Degeneres. Biography)