Ellen DeGeneres, the iconic American comedian and former daytime talk show host, has confirmed that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have permanently relocated to the United Kingdom. The decision, she revealed during a public appearance at the Cheltenham Theatre in southwest England, came just one day after the re-election of Donald Trump in November 2024. In an interview with BBC host Richard Bacon, DeGeneres stated plainly: "Life is better here."
A Sudden Shift in Plans
The couple had originally purchased what they believed to be a secondary home in the UK, intending to spend only three or four months a year there. They were in England on election day when the results came in. "We woke up and saw the news, and we just looked at each other and said, 'I think we're staying,'" DeGeneres recalled. That spontaneous decision has now become permanent. The couple has embraced their new life in the Cotswolds region, enjoying the slower pace and the local community.
Why the Move? A Fear for LGBT Rights
DeGeneres has been outspoken about her concerns regarding the direction of the United States under Donald Trump's second term. "Americans can be frightening for people who just want to be who they are," she told the audience. She specifically pointed to the rollback of protections for the LGBT community, including recent executive orders targeting transgender rights and the redefinition of sex in federal policies. DeGeneres herself came out as gay in 1997, a groundbreaking moment that cost her career for years but paved the way for greater acceptance. Now, she fears that progress is being undone. "I would love to live in a society where everyone accepts each other and their differences," she said. "That is not the America I see anymore."
Remarrying in the UK
DeGeneres also revealed that she and de Rossi are considering renewing their vows or remarrying in the United Kingdom. The couple married in California in 2008, shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized in that state. However, with the current political climate in the US, they want to solidify their legal status in a country they feel offers greater stability for same-sex couples. "We want to be sure that our marriage is recognized and protected, no matter what happens," DeGeneres explained. The UK has had same-sex marriage since 2014, and public support remains high.
A Career Defined by Courage and Laughter
Ellen DeGeneres rose to fame in the 1990s with her sitcom 'Ellen,' which featured the famous 'Puppy Episode' where her character came out. The episode mirrored her own life: she came out publicly in 1997 on the cover of Time magazine. The backlash was severe; her sitcom was canceled, and she struggled to find work for years. Yet she persevered, launching a wildly successful daytime talk show in 2003, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' which ran for 19 seasons. Known for its dance segments, celebrity interviews, and uplifting messages, the show earned 44 Daytime Emmy Awards. DeGeneres also voiced Dory in Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' and its sequel, and hosted the Oscars. Despite a later controversy in 2020 regarding workplace toxicity, her legacy as a pioneer for LGBT visibility remains significant.
Trump's Second Term and Its Impact
Donald Trump's re-election in 2024 was marked by a narrow electoral college victory, despite losing the popular vote. His administration quickly moved to implement policies that alarmed many in the progressive and LGBT communities. Within weeks, the Department of Health and Human Services issued new rules allowing healthcare providers to deny treatment based on religious or moral objections, effectively undermining protections for transgender patients. The State Department revised its passport policy to require sex assigned at birth rather than gender identity. And several federal agencies were ordered to remove any mention of 'gender identity' from their websites and documents. For many, including DeGeneres, these actions signaled a troubling return to discrimination.
Celebrity Exodus and Broader Trends
DeGeneres is not the only high-profile American to relocate abroad following Trump's victory. Several actors, musicians, and entrepreneurs have announced moves to Canada, Europe, or other countries. Some cite political reasons, others economic or personal. However, DeGeneres's move is particularly symbolic given her history as a trailblazer for gay rights. Her decision to leave the United States underscores a feeling of alienation among many in the LGBT community. "I never thought I would be someone who would leave my own country," she said in Cheltenham. "But you have to go where you feel safe and where you can be yourself."
Life in the English Countryside
The couple's new home is a historic farmhouse on several acres in the Cotswolds, an area known for its rolling hills and quaint villages. DeGeneres has taken up gardening, a pastime she says brings her peace. She and de Rossi have also become involved in local charities, including a wildlife rescue center. "The people here are so kind," DeGeneres said. "They wave at you in the street. They don't care who you are or who you love. It's refreshing." She has also been seen at local farmers' markets and attending small theater productions. The move appears to be a complete lifestyle change from her hectic Los Angeles existence.
Looking Ahead
DeGeneres has no plans to return to television. She has not ruled out occasional stand-up performances, as evidenced by her Cheltenham appearance. She says she is enjoying being a private citizen. Portia de Rossi, who retired from acting several years ago, has taken up painting and pottery. Together, they are exploring the UK, planning trips to Scotland and Ireland. When asked if she misses America, DeGeneres paused. "I miss the people, the friends, the memories," she said. "But I don't miss the anxiety. I don't miss the fear. I want to be somewhere where I feel like I can breathe. And right now, that's here."
Source: leparisien.fr News