Comedian Margaret Cho has opened up about a long-standing rift with former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, describing years of feeling dismissed and disrespected.
Speaking on “The Kelly Mantle Show” podcast, Cho recalled their uneasy relationship dating back to the 1980s, when she opened for DeGeneres during her early comedy club days. Cho said that during appearances on DeGeneres’ talk show in the 2000s, Ellen acted as if they had never met.
Cho described the behavior as “weird” and “creepy,” adding, “I’m like, ‘B****, what? That’s weird. We go way back.”
She also recounted a specific incident where a segment featuring David Bowie complimenting her unique Chinese emperor outfit was cut from DeGeneres’ show. According to Cho, the producer, who was a friend, had to inform her that Bowie had praised her outfit extensively, but the moment was edited out.
Cho said the exclusion felt rude and personal, even if it was possibly due to time constraints, stating, “I’m going to take it personally just because I decided to.”
Margaret Cho is among several comedians, including Rosie O’Donnell and Kathy Griffin, who have publicly criticized DeGeneres in recent years. Attempts to reach DeGeneres’ representatives for comment have not yet received a response.
