Embattled Ellen returns for season 18 of show: “My hope is that we can still be a place of happiness and joy”

The Ellen DeGeneres Show returns for its 18th season today and its host addressed the very public controversies about a toxic workplace and about her own behavior:

She said in part: “Being known as the ‘be kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in. The truth is, I am that person that 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. I am a work in progress. … I don’t think that I’m that good [of an actress] that I could come out here every day for 17 years and fool you. This is me. And my intention is to always be the best person I can be. And if I’ve ever let someone down, if I’ve ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that.”

“I got into this business to make people laugh and feel good …. and now I am the boss of 270 people, 270 people who I am so grateful for. All I want is for every single one of them to be happy and to be proud to work here. … My hope is that we can still be a place of happiness and joy. I still want to be the one hour a day that people can go to escape and laugh. … I am committed to making this the best season that we have ever had.”