‘Ellen’ resumes taping despite writers’ strike

Staff member chastises talk host for crossing picket line to tape show

Gus Ruelas / AP	In a sign of support for striking writers, Ellen DeGeneres stood in the aisles of the audience as the show began, instead of entering and taking the stage.

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updated 4:13 p.m. ET Nov. 9, 2007

LOS ANGELES - Ellen DeGeneres, unlike David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and Conan O’Brien who have all stopped production of their talk shows in support of the writer’s strike, continues to tape her talk show.

The talk-show host was back at work one day after the strike started, according to Page Six.

DeGeneres explained her decision to continue working during the strike.

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“I support (the writers) and hope that they get everything they’re asking for. And I hope it works out soon. In the meantime, people have traveled across the country. They’ve made plans. They’re here. I want to do everything I can to make your trip enjoyable and give you a show,” said the talk show host.

In a sign of support, DeGeneres stood in the aisles of the audience as the show began, instead of entering and taking the stage.

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“I want to say I love my writers. I love them. In honor of them today, I’m not going to do a monologue,” said DeGeneres, skipping her usual round of topical jokes and insights.

Not everyone is happy with her decision to work during the strike, including DeGeneres' own staff.

A DeGeneres staffer told Access, “Ellen, you’re no friend of mine, you danced across the picket line!”

The staff member pointed out that DeGeneres missed two shows during the Iggy-Gate puppy controversy, yet she has only missed one show for the writers’ strike.

However, DeGeneres’ show does not compete with late-night programs, which feature Leno, O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel.

Her show competes with other first-run syndicated daytime shows such “Dr. Phil,” “Live with Regis & Kelly” and “Oprah.”