Tag: personal stories

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Margaret Cho Opens Up About Tensions with Ellen DeGeneres

Margaret Cho has recently shed light on a long-standing rift with fellow comedian Ellen DeGeneres, sharing her experiences on the “Kelly Mantle Show” podcast. The 56-year-old comedian recounted how DeGeneres, who was once a headliner in comedy clubs during the 1980s when Cho was opening for her, often seemed dismissive and unkind throughout her career.

Reflecting on their past interactions, Cho expressed her disappointment, stating, “Ellen was really weird and not nice to me for most of my career. When I would do her talk show in the 2000s, she would act like we just met!” This sentiment highlights a sense of betrayal for Cho, who felt there was a significant history between them that DeGeneres seemed to overlook.

One particularly memorable incident occurred when Cho attended a David Bowie concert dressed in a “giant Chinese emperor outfit.” The following day, during her appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Bowie had complimented her outfit, but Cho was shocked to discover that the anecdote was cut from the episode. “It made me so mad,” she recalled. “The producer, who was a really good friend of mine, had to call and tell me, ‘I can’t believe she did this but she cut it out of the show. But you need to know that he was going on and on about your outfit! God said your name.’”

Cho’s frustration was palpable as she described the incident, emphasizing, “[It’s] so rude! I don’t know if it was personal, maybe it was cut for time. But still, I’m going to take it personally just because I decided to.”

This isn’t the first time DeGeneres has faced criticism from fellow comedians. Rosie O’Donnell has also publicly addressed her complicated feelings towards DeGeneres, noting that while she holds no malice, there were unresolved issues from their past. “We had some stuff in the past that we never resolved,” O’Donnell shared. “I wish her the best. I seriously do.”

O’Donnell expressed surprise when she learned that DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, decided to move from the U.S. to the English countryside following the election of Donald Trump. “I’ve never really known Ellen to say anything political in her life, so I was surprised to read that she left because of President Trump. Like, that shocked me, actually,” O’Donnell remarked.

Kathy Griffin has also been vocal about her disdain for DeGeneres, revealing her feelings during a recent YouTube video. “I have a loathing for her that is epic,” Griffin admitted. “I know a lot of it is jealousy. I get it. She’s way more successful than I’ll ever be.”

Despite the tensions, it seems that many comedians, including Cho and O’Donnell, still wish DeGeneres well. Cho’s candid remarks about her experiences with DeGeneres offer a glimpse into the complexities of relationships within the entertainment industry, where personal and professional histories often intertwine.

DeGeneres, who has largely remained out of the public eye since the conclusion of her talk show, has occasionally shared glimpses of her life in the U.K. through social media. As she embarks on new projects, including her “Ellen’s Last Stand … Up Tour,” it remains to be seen how she will address the criticisms and relationships that have shaped her career.

As fans of these comedians reflect on their journeys, it’s clear that the world of comedy is not just about laughter; it’s also filled with personal stories, rivalries, and the struggle for acceptance and understanding. Cho’s revelations remind us that even in the spotlight, the relationships between artists can be fraught with complexities, and the impacts of those relationships can last a lifetime.

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Celebrities Open Up About Their Autism Diagnoses

In recent years, an increasing number of Hollywood stars have bravely shared their experiences with autism, shedding light on the condition and its impact on their lives. From reality TV personalities to acclaimed actors, these celebrities are helping to raise awareness and foster understanding about autism. Here’s a closer look at some of the notable figures who have revealed their diagnoses and the stories behind them.

Tamra Judge, a prominent figure from “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” shared her diagnosis in October 2024 during an episode of her podcast, “Two Ts in a Pod.” She discussed discovering that she is “on the spectrum” while undergoing therapy, a realization that has prompted her to confront her social anxiety and sensory issues. “I have a lot of sensory issues — sound, light, touch — but my biggest problem is working through trauma that I had in my life,” Judge explained. Her candidness about her struggles aims to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Another notable celebrity, Bella Ramsey, known for their role in HBO’s “The Last of Us,” disclosed their autism diagnosis in March 2025. During an interview with British Vogue, Ramsey reflected on how the diagnosis came during the filming of the show. “I always wondered if I had autism, but it took a crew member’s suggestion to seek a formal assessment for me to act on that assumption,” they shared. Ramsey emphasized that understanding their autism has been liberating, allowing them to navigate life with greater self-acceptance.

Ginger Minj, a contestant from “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10,” also opened up about her autism diagnosis. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she recounted how her psychiatric evaluation during the casting process led to the revelation. “I had my suspicions, but I said I’d never been tested,” Minj said, adding that the diagnosis helped her make sense of her experiences over the past 40 years.

Grimes, the renowned musician, revealed in March 2025 that she has been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism. She expressed that understanding her neurodivergence earlier in life could have alleviated some challenges she faced. “I feel like had we known this when I was a child, I would have worked so much less hard,” she stated, reflecting on the impact of her diagnosis on her creative journey.

Tallulah Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, took to social media in March 2024 to share her autism diagnosis. By posting a video of herself as a child, she humorously captioned it, “Tell me you’re autistic without telling me you’re autistic.” Willis mentioned that this was the first time she had publicly acknowledged her diagnosis, which she discovered over the summer.

Kanye West also made headlines in February 2025 when he revealed that his initial bipolar diagnosis led him to seek further evaluation, ultimately resulting in an autism diagnosis. On the podcast “The Download,” he discussed the misconceptions surrounding autism and how it has influenced his behavior and decision-making.

Former Playboy model Holly Madison shared her autism diagnosis in December 2023, recounting her lifelong suspicions about her neurodivergence. In an episode of the “Talking to Death” podcast, she mentioned how her mother had always suspected it and how her diagnosis has helped her understand her social interactions better.

Demi Burnett, a former contestant on “The Bachelor,” opened up about her autism diagnosis in February 2022. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she addressed the stigma surrounding autism and encouraged others to be open-minded and accepting. Burnett emphasized her desire for a better quality of life while sharing her journey with followers.

Amber Borzotra, known for her role on “The Challenge,” revealed her autism diagnosis during a March 2023 reunion show. She spoke about the struggles she faced in social settings and how the diagnosis has helped her understand her identity. “I’ve taken meds for depression and anxiety, and I wish I would’ve found out a lot sooner,” she said, expressing her hope to be a positive influence for others.

Anthony Hopkins, the acclaimed actor, announced his Asperger’s diagnosis in January 2017. He shared that his wife encouraged him to seek help, leading to the revelation that he has a form of autism. “I tend to multi-task. I decide I’m not going to paint and then I’ll spend 24 hours painting,” he explained, highlighting the unique aspects of his neurodivergent mind.

Daryl Hannah, known for her roles in films like “Blade Runner,” opened up about her autism diagnosis in September 2013. She shared how it affected her career and her struggles with being in the spotlight. “I’ve never been comfortable being the center of attention,” she admitted, revealing the challenges she faced in her Hollywood journey.

Elon Musk, the tech entrepreneur, shared in May 2021 that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s as a child. He humorously referenced his condition while hosting “Saturday Night Live,” noting his unique communication style. Musk’s openness about his diagnosis has sparked conversations about neurodiversity in the tech industry.

Susan Boyle, the singer who gained fame on “Britain’s Got Talent,” revealed her Asperger’s diagnosis in December 2013. “It is a relief. Asperger’s doesn’t define me,” she stated, emphasizing her desire for people to understand her better.

Dan Aykroyd, known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and “Ghostbusters,” disclosed his Asperger’s diagnosis in December 2013. He shared how his condition fueled his creativity, particularly in his obsession with ghosts, which inspired his iconic film.

Wentworth Miller, the actor famous for “Prison Break,” revealed his autism diagnosis in July 2021. He acknowledged the significance of his neurodivergence in shaping his identity and experiences. “This isn’t something I’d change,” he wrote on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of understanding autism.

Courtney Love, the singer and actress, mentioned her autism diagnosis in a 1994 interview, highlighting her lifelong struggles with communication and social interaction.

Sia, the singer-songwriter, shared her autism diagnosis in May 2023. She reflected on her journey of self-discovery, stating, “Only in the last two years have I become fully, fully myself.”

These celebrities are not only sharing their personal journeys but also contributing to the broader conversation about autism. By speaking out, they are helping to destigmatize neurodiversity and encourage acceptance and understanding. Their stories remind us that autism is just one aspect of who they are, and their talents and contributions to society continue to shine brightly.

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