Sofia Vergara defended Ellen DeGeneres after clips resurfaced of the host pointing out her Colombian accent: 'I was always in on the joke'
- Past clips from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that feature host Ellen DeGeneres interviewing Colombian-American actress Sofia Vergara have recently resurfaced on Twitter.
- Some Twitter users claimed that DeGeneres has made fun of the "Modern Family" star's accent and English on multiple occasions.
- On Friday, Vergara tweeted a 2015 clip from the talk show, in which DeGeneres recalls how Vergara struggled to pronounce certain words in a CoverGirl commercial they did together.
- The actress defended DeGeneres, writing: "I was never a victim guys, I was always in on the joke."
- DeGeneres has faced backlash amid claims that she is not as nice as her television persona portrays, and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" show is currently under investigation amid reports of a toxic work environment.
Actress Sofia Vergara defended Ellen DeGeneres amid claims that the talk show host made fun of her accent.
On August 12, a Twitter user posted a compilation of clips from Vergara's past appearances on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which feature DeGeneres commenting on the Colombian-American actress' accent and English speaking.
Some users responded by saying that DeGeneres' remarks were offensive, while others commented on how Vergara was aware of the lighthearted tone.
"Totally agree Sofia looked uncomfortable. It was no way to joke," one user tweeted.
"I mean pretty sure Vergara has a publicist, and I'm sure her team would not book her or offer her services if she truly felt attacked," another Twitter user commented.
On Friday, Vergara defended her past interactions with DeGeneres. On Twitter, the actress posted a clip from her appearance on the show in 2015, in which they discussed how Vergara struggled to pronounce certain words in a CoverGirl commercial they worked on together.
Vergara captioned her tweet: "Two comedians having fun with each other to entertain. I was never a victim guys, I was always in on the joke."
Users appeared to have mixed reactions to Vergara's tweet, and some referenced their own experiences speaking with an accent.
"My parents, who have heavy Spanish accents, didn't have the option to be 'in on the joke.' Instead, they were the butt of jokes. And as a child of immigrants, I was always picked on because of that. Your 'entertainment' may lead to some to think they have a free pass to ridicule," one user wrote.
"When I hear myself speak English, I sound like a Russian mafia guy, but I can laugh at myself," another user commented.
DeGeneres is facing backlash amid an ongoing workplace investigation and claims that she isn't as friendly as she appears
In February, Dutch beauty YouTuber Nikkie de Jager, also known as NikkieTutorials, said that when she appeared on the talk show in January, DeGeneres was "cold and distant."
Soon after, DeGeneres was called "one of the meanest people alive" in a Twitter thread started by comedian Kevin T. Porter that gained more than 2,000 responses.
"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" is currently under investigation following reports of a toxic work environment by current and former employees.
The investigation by WarnerMedia began in July following claims of unfair treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and a culture of fear and intimidation.
Though DeGeneres is facing claims by both former guests and employees, a number of celebrities have come to the host's defense.
Pop star Katy Perry shared positive messages in support of DeGeneres on August 4, saying that the host exudes "light & continual fight for equality" through her platform. Comedian Kevin Hart also recently said that he is standing by his friendship with DeGeneres and that she is one of the "most amazing people" that he knows.