DeGeneres Under Fire For Crossing Picket Line....

U.S. comedienne Ellen DeGeneres is facing the wrath of angry Hollywood protesters - after failing to act in support of the screenwriters' strikes.While fellow U.S. talkshow hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien have all stood in support of the striking members of the Writers Guild Of America (Wga), DeGeneres crossed picket lines to tape her show Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday (06Nov07) - the day after the union went on strike.Defending her actions, she told the studio audience, "There's a writers' strike going on, and here in Los Angeles, it's a huge story."I want to say I love my writers. I love them. In honour of them today, I'm not going to do a monologue. I support them and hope that they get everything they're asking for. And I hope it works out soon. In the meantime, people have traveled across the country. They've made plans. They're here. I want to do everything I can to make your trip enjoyable and give you a show".But it's a decision DeGeneres may come to regret, as screenwriters are already attacking the move.One writer for her former 2001-2002 sitcom, The Ellen Show, reports she treated her writers "like shit". The unnamed writer adds on his internet blog, "I'm disappointed in Ellen (for crossing the picket line) but not surprised...given what I've seen from her with my own two eyes".A Tv insider tells the New York Post's PageSix, "DeGeneres is unwilling to honour the picket line because this is her last chance in show business. This show is the only thing keeping her from a lifetime of touring college campuses".

A representative for the star has refused to comment.

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