Ellen DeGeneres, whose on-air joke earlier this year spurred a lawsuit from a Georgia real estate agent who says the comic bit made fun of her name and subjected her to ridicule and hurtful comments , says her humor is never meant to cause harm.

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The interview, pegged to the movie's June 17 opening date touched on a number of topics, including Ellen's sense of humor, but was not conducted in connection with the lawsuit. (It likely was conducted well in advance of the recent news of the lawsuit, and meant only to promote the movie).

Ellen's comments regarding humor were in general and not pegged to the lawsuit, yet they seem relevant: "There’s so much to laugh at without it being at someone else’s expense,” she said.

Pierce was traveling to a family funeral she she got word her name – and cell number, which was on the sign – had been broadcast.

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