Ellen DeGeneres and her family have officially announced their decision to leave the United States, marking yet another major transition for the comedian and former talk show host, who recently revealed her retirement from the entertainment industry.
This significant life change follows her announcement that her latest Netflix special, filmed on August 16, 2024, would be her final professional project. DeGeneres, widely recognized for her long-running television success, described the milestone as especially meaningful as it coincided with her 16th wedding anniversary with wife Portia de Rossi. The couple, known for their longstanding relationship, shared that this celebratory moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for their family as they prepare to move abroad for a quieter life.
DeGeneres, who became a household name through The Ellen DeGeneres Show, earned immense popularity during her 19-season run, blending humor, candid celebrity interviews, and emotional human-interest segments. However, the show ended in 2022 under controversial circumstances following public allegations of a toxic workplace environment, with claims of discrimination and harassment surfacing from both current and former employees.
While DeGeneres herself was not directly accused of wrongdoing, the public fallout significantly affected her reputation. The backlash led her to retreat from the public eye for a considerable period, only making a limited return through her Ellen’s Last Stand… Up comedy tour, where she addressed the scandal and her career reflections with characteristic humor.
“This will be the last time you’ll see me on stage,” DeGeneres declared in her stand-up special. “Once my Netflix special airs, I’m officially done.”
The workplace scandal, which first emerged in 2020, began with reports published by BuzzFeed where multiple employees described an unhealthy work culture behind the scenes. One former staff member bluntly described the situation, stating, “That whole ‘be kind’ mantra only applied when the cameras were rolling. Off-camera, it was a completely different atmosphere.” Another shared, “As the face of the show, it was her duty to ensure a better environment instead of relying on producers alone.”
Although DeGeneres publicly acknowledged the reports, admitting that “things happened on my show that never should have occurred,” the damage to her public image was significant. Her openness during her farewell tour revealed the emotional toll the controversy had taken on her.
During one of her stand-up routines, she joked about the professional fallout, saying, “This marks the second time I’ve been pushed out of showbiz. I’m just waiting for them to kick me out a third time because, well, I’m old, I’m mean, and I’m gay.” Despite her attempts to address the situation with humor, she later admitted that the ordeal deeply impacted her self-esteem and emotional well-being.
In addition to her career transformation, DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have also made significant changes in their personal lives. Long admired for their exquisite taste in real estate and known for buying and selling multiple luxury homes in Montecito, California, the couple is now making a permanent move to the United Kingdom.
Reports suggest that DeGeneres and de Rossi were motivated to leave the U.S. due to political reasons, specifically linked to the reelection of former President Donald Trump. According to sources, the pair had already purchased a property in the picturesque Cotswolds, approximately two hours outside of London, but Trump’s victory prompted them to accelerate their relocation plans.
The couple has reportedly bought and sold over 21 properties in Santa Barbara County alone, making their decision to leave their lavish Montecito estate particularly noteworthy. Although they’ve settled into their U.K. countryside retreat, they have yet to list their California property on the market.
Moving to the British countryside appears to be a deliberate choice for a more peaceful and private lifestyle, away from the relentless media attention and public scrutiny. It seems this move could provide DeGeneres with the space she needs to fully step back from the spotlight and focus on personal healing after a tumultuous period in her career.
While she often uses humor as a coping mechanism, DeGeneres’ Netflix special made it clear how deeply the controversy affected her. Reflecting on her famous kindness slogan, she quipped, “The whole ‘Be kind’ thing? Yeah, I wasn’t so kind. Honestly, if I had ended my show saying, ‘Go f*** yourselves,’ people probably would’ve been pleasantly surprised to learn I’m actually nice in real life.”
As Ellen and Portia settle into their new life abroad, their decision represents more than just a geographical shift—it’s a symbolic departure from public life, seeking solace after years in the unforgiving spotlight.