BAWLING talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres has abruptly canceled plans to do two shows next week from New York – for fear of angering the striking writers union.
DeGeneres was scheduled to tape episodes of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” Monday and Tuesday at the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle.
The writers union declared Ellen “not welcome” in New York after she broke ranks and went back to work after the first day of the strike.
TV’s other comedian-talk show hosts – including Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel – have all stayed off the job since the strike began nine days ago, the union said.
Until last Monday, Telepictures – which produces “Ellen” – had said the show would be going to New York as planned, despite criticism from the union.
The company refused yesterday to explain its sudden about face.
At least part of the problem is that on previous shows in New York, “Ellen” taped in a studio with a huge window overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park.
The prospect of sign-waving picketers in the background throughout the hour might have proved too much.
“We’re delighted that Ellen DeGeneres has decided not to come to New York to tape her program,” the triumphant members said in a statement.