Ellen told the Hollywood Reporter, “When you’re a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged — and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore.”
The move comes after a season that was plagued with drama. Last summer, the host faced allegations of bullying and creating a toxic workplace, which contrasted with DeGeneres’s friendly onscreen persona.
However, she claims that’s not why she’s leaving.
The host said, “It was very hurtful to me. I mean, very. But if I was quitting the show because of that, I wouldn’t have come back this season.”
Ellen will further discuss the decision with Oprah Winfrey on the May 13th episode of The Ellen Show.
Watch her announcement below: