Ellen DeGeneres has been accused of violating strike rules by the Writers Guild of America.
Although the sparky comedian passed on a monologue the first day back on her show - in honor of the writers on the picket line - the next day the funny lady began with the regular opening segment, business as usual.
The WGA charges that the opening monologue is "struck" material.
Not unlike Dave & Jay's shows, the start-up gab before an in-house audience is usually given some pep with a zesty one-liner or two, generally artfully crafted by an accomplished team of union writers.
For this reason, reps at the Guild argue that the use of monologues during the strike phase place DeGeneres in violation of Guild rules.
Ellen has responded by noting that the monologue is ad-libbed.
More importantly, she pointed out that due to binding AFTRA Contracts, she is obligated to fulfill her contract with the network.
When the strike began, both AFTRA and SAG (unions I am also a member of) notified all dues-payers of a "no strike" clause, requiring that all performers report to work and honor contractual agreements, in spite of the WGA strike.
The funny bone of contention is whether Ellen's jokes are off-the-cuff or scripted in advance.
In case anyone forgot, Ellen started her professional career as a stand-up comic.
In fact, it was due to her unique ability to deliver up zany bits impromptu, that she landed the show.
I'm in Ellen's corner and support her wholeheartedly.
If anything, now is the time to tune in to the popular daytime show.
Fans have an opportunity to catch her in the raw without a golden parachute.
Sometimes flying by the seat of the pants is what an entertainer needs to get the creative juices flowin'...
Do you suppose Ellen's capable of delivering up the zingers, like in the old days?
Thanks to the WGA strike, we'll have the delightful chance to see.
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