Comedian Margaret Cho has spoken out about her strained relationship with former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, alleging years of being dismissed and treated coldly by the media icon.

Appearing on The Kelly Mantle Show podcast, Cho described her long-running discomfort with DeGeneres, dating back to the 1980s when she opened for her in small comedy clubs. Despite their early connection, Cho said DeGeneres later acted as if they were strangers during her appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in the 2000s.

“It was weird. It was creepy,” Cho recalled. “I’m like, ‘B****, what? That’s weird. We go way back.’”

Cho also shared a specific incident that left her feeling snubbed: a segment involving late music legend David Bowie was allegedly edited out of her appearance.

According to Cho, Bowie had praised her Chinese emperor-inspired outfit on the show, but the exchange never aired. A producer—who was also a friend—privately informed her of the compliment, explaining that the moment had been cut.

“Maybe it was for time. But I’m going to take it personally just because I decided to,” Cho said, adding that the decision felt both “rude” and unnecessary.

Cho is one of several high-profile comedians who have criticized DeGeneres over the years, joining names like Rosie O’Donnell and Kathy Griffin in challenging the public image of the once-beloved daytime TV host.

Attempts to reach Ellen DeGeneres’ representatives for comment have so far gone unanswered.

DeGeneres, who ended her long-running talk show in 2022 following allegations of a toxic workplace environment, has largely stepped back from the public spotlight. Cho’s comments add a new layer to the ongoing conversation about behind-the-scenes dynamics in the entertainment industry.