Ellen DeGeneres, the iconic U.S. television personality and comedian, recently revealed her motivations for relocating to the United Kingdom after the re-election of Donald Trump. In a candid conversation at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, she expressed that her decision to settle in England was made immediately after she woke up to the news of Trump’s electoral victory. “We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in,'” she recounted. “And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.'”
DeGeneres, known for her long-running daytime talk show, cited a desire for a better quality of life as a key factor in her move. She emphasized that she believes life in the U.K. is simply better, noting the exquisite beauty of the Cotswolds where she now resides, a region characterized by its picturesque villages and charming architecture. Having made the move last November, DeGeneres described her new rural lifestyle as one filled with cleanliness and politeness. “Everything here is just better — the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here,” she added.
This relocation comes after Ellen’s tumultuous farewell to her long-running talk show, which ended in 2022 under a cloud of controversy regarding workplace culture allegations. During her public appearance, she acknowledged some criticisms about her past behavior, including accusations of being “mean.” However, she clarified that while she could be “very blunt,” the media often sensationalizes such straightforwardness as meanness. She addressed the allegations as “clickbait,” emphasizing her direct personality rather than any malicious intent.
In her discussion, DeGeneres also touched on significant social issues, particularly those affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Given recent political moves in the U.S., including efforts by the Southern Baptist Convention to revoke same-sex marriage rights, she expressed concern and even stated that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, are considering remarrying in the U.K. if such measures were to succeed in the U.S. She lamented that America can still be “scary for people to be who they are,” indicating a deep-seated worry about the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite having faced backlash and scandal over her time as a talk show host, DeGeneres remains a figure of resilience. She humorously reflected on her journey through the entertainment industry, candidly mentioning that she felt she had been “kicked out of show business twice,” the first instance being after she came out as gay in 1997. Ellen shared that while society has progressed in many ways, there continues to be a significant stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood. She noted, “If it was better, all these other people that are actors and actresses that I know they’re gay, they’d be out, but they’re not, because it’s still a problem. People are still scared,” highlighting the ongoing challenges still faced by many.
Lastly, as she adjusts to life in the U.K., Ellen discussed her newfound hobbies and experiences, sharing glimpses of her rural life on social media. Although she humorously noted the brief stint of having sheep and chickens, she relished the beauty of English winters — even seeing snow for the first time. While she contemplates her future endeavors, she expressed uncertainty about whether a new talk show format would resonate with today’s audiences. Nonetheless, her desire for fun and to embark on new projects remains intact. As she navigates this new chapter in life, DeGeneres’s story continues to inspire both her fans and the broader community, reflecting her resilience, humor, and advocacy for the rights of others.
