
Fans of Ellen DeGeneres were met with surprise and disappointment as the comedian canceled her Aug. 11 show at the Chicago Theatre, leaving some with unused tickets and questions. The Aug. 10 show, however, remains on schedule, though it is sold out. Chicago Sun-Times reported that ticket holders were informed via Ticketmaster that "Unfortunately, The Event Organizer has had to cancel your event." Following suit, across her tour, cancellations struck in major cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Dallas.
Having joked about being ousted from show business due to meanness, DeGeneres has been vocal about her departure from the limelight. As reported by NBC Chicago, during a performance in Santa Rosa, California, DeGeneres told her audience, "After my Netflix special, I'm done," adding a somber note to her usual comedic style. Her final bow in show business seems to be set with the airing of her Netflix stand-up special later this year.
DeGeneres's recent years have been riddled with controversy after allegations of cultivating a toxic workplace on her once-celebrated talk show emerged, leading to the show's conclusion in 2022. In her Santa Rosa performance, Ellen confronted the public opinion that led to her decision, clarifying, "I am many things, but I am not mean." This reflection on fame and infamy has marked what is touted as her last stand-up tour, "Ellen's Last Stand...Up," as stated by the Chicago Sun-Times.