Taylor Swift and Zac Efron subtly called out Ellen to her face years before toxic workplace became public

It may have been some time ago, but people are still laughing about an incident which saw two stars calling out Ellen DeGeneres.

In recent years, the famed talk show host has faced a number of allegations surrounding bullying, and it seems she was being subtly called out way back before they surfaced.

11 years ago, the host had been joined by High School Musical star Zac Efron and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift on The Ellen Show.

Part of the show saw the pair performing a surprise original song for their host, which would go on to become a lot more significant than they may have anticipated.

The song saw the pair making veiled allusions about their experiences on the show and with DeGeneres, and cut rather an awkward moment.

DeGeneres would later go on to face allegations of creating a toxic workplace, disrespecting the boundaries of an interviewee, and sexualising a guest.

Although the segment with Swift and Efron was recorded over a decade ago, the track still has people talking.

It's an oldie but a goldie, sat on DeGeneres' sofa 11 years ago, Swift explains she taught Efron how to play the guitar and play 'Pumped Up Kicks' by Foster the People.

The Ellen Show

After grabbing some guitars and Swift reminding the Ted Bundy star of the chords - encouraging him along the way - the pair begin strumming and singing along.

However, it doesn't take long for Efron to suggest they 'change up the lyrics' a bit.

Efron sings: "Ellen works a long day. Giving weird interviews in a slick, cool sweater. And it gets kind of weird, yeah, callin' us out, like we're boyfriend and girlfriend.

"But it's not just 'cause we're just sitting here and we got cat videos and dance on Betty White and stuff. And it's always gonna be weird - 'Cause this song is all about Ellen and Swift, yeah."

Swift also gets a crack at DeGeneres, noting she's been on the show eight times so far and as well as hiding in the bathroom with a camera and scaring her, DeGeneres has frequently asked her about who she's dating.

The pair launch into a chorus which notes how 'really weird' it is 'every time' they both come on the show - 'all because of Ellen' they harmonize. Ouch.

The Ellen Show

DeGeneres may have shouted she 'love[d] it' soon after Efron and Swift finished their performance, but her facial expressions throughout the performance hint at the atmosphere being a bit more awkward - or 'weird' should I say.

And social media users are in stitches over the song, flooding to the comments to weigh in on the resurfaced clip.

One YouTube user said: "Love seeing Taylor being snarky. Seemed like she genuinely had fun calling out Ellen. Taylor has class."

"They really made a diss track on Ellen in front of Ellen... Legends," another added.

And a Reddit user commented: "Never forget this exists called her out subtly by song and that was in her prime years as a TV host with the wholesome image."

"I love this. They’re roasting her and she’s just sitting there with her fake smile, seething on the inside," another added.

UNILAD has contacted Ellen DeGeneres for comment.