In the seven-minute opener, DeGeneres apologized `to the people that were affected` and said she is `taking responsibility for what happens at my show.`
`As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that every seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people that were affected. I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and with that comes responsibility and I take responsibility for what happens at my show,` DeGeneres said.
`Here's how that happened: I started saying, 'be kind to one another' after a young man named Tyler Clementi took his own life after being bullied for being gay,` DeGeneres explained. `I thought the world needed more kindness and it was a reminder that we all needed that, and I think we need it more than ever right now.`
`Being known as the 'be kind' lady is a tricky position to be in,` she continued. `So let me give you some advice out there if anybody's thinking of changing their title or giving yourself a nickname, do not go with the 'be kind' lady. Don't do it. The truth is I am that person that you see on TV.`
