Ellen DeGeneres’ new Netflix standup special, For Your Approval, has come under fire for allegedly copying Taylor Swift’s 2018 Reputation Tour introduction. The controversy stems from the special’s opening, which features a series of negative headlines and social media posts targeting DeGeneres, similar to how Swift’s Reputation Tour showcased criticism about the pop star.
After the special aired on September 24, social media users were quick to point out the similarities between the two. A user on X (formerly Twitter) posted the introduction, calling it “so ridiculous,” which ignited a broader discussion online. The post has since garnered over 7 million views, with many users echoing the sentiment that DeGeneres’ special closely mimicked Swift’s tour. Some commented that the opening was “beat for beat the opening of the Reputation tour,” and others quipped with references like “Reputation (Ellen’s Version)” and “Reputation Stadium Tour dupe.”
This backlash comes at a pivotal time for DeGeneres, who is attempting a return to the spotlight after the end of her daytime talk show in 2022. The end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show followed a major scandal in 2020, when allegations of a toxic workplace culture surfaced, damaging her once “queen of nice” reputation. DeGeneres directly addressed these accusations in her special, discussing how the negative press affected her career and personal life. With her signature sarcastic humor, she reflected on how she was “kicked out of show business” and noted, “You can’t be mean and be in show business.”
Despite the online criticism, some fans have defended DeGeneres, praising her openness about her struggles with OCD and mental health in the special. Others commended her honesty and humor, encouraging people to watch the special for its candidness.
As DeGeneres wraps up what is expected to be her final stand-up special, the controversy over the similarities to Swift’s tour has drawn more attention to her return to comedy. Whether the backlash will affect her legacy remains to be seen, but For Your Approval has certainly sparked conversation.
