Ellen DeGeneres and her family have revealed their decision to leave the United States and begin a new chapter abroad.
This marks another significant milestone for the comedian and former talk show host, who recently announced her retirement from the entertainment industry.
DeGeneres, known for her 19-season run on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, confirmed that her Netflix special, filmed on August 16, 2024, would be her final professional endeavor. The announcement coincided with her 16th wedding anniversary to Portia de Rossi, a moment she described as both “lucky and special.” Now, the couple is preparing to move overseas.
A New Beginning Abroad
Ellen DeGeneres, celebrated for her humor and heartfelt storytelling on her iconic daytime talk show, rose to fame by blending comedy with celebrity interviews and inspiring human-interest stories. However, her career faced a major shift in 2022 following the conclusion of her show amidst allegations of a toxic workplace environment.
While DeGeneres herself was not directly accused of misconduct, the controversy tarnished her reputation. Since then, she has largely avoided the spotlight, with her recent stand-up tour, Ellen’s Last Stand… Up, serving as her formal farewell to show business.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, DeGeneres said: “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
Navigating a Career of Highs and Lows
The allegations surrounding her show first surfaced in 2020 after a BuzzFeed investigation highlighted claims of harassment and discrimination from former and current employees. One employee remarked, “That ‘be kind’ bulls**t only happens when the cameras are on. It’s all for show,” while another criticized DeGeneres for failing to address these issues effectively.
Though DeGeneres publicly acknowledged the problems, admitting that things occurred on her show “that should never have happened,” the scandal marked a turning point in her career. In her stand-up routines, she used humor to process the fallout, joking, “This is the second time I’ve been kicked out of show business… Eventually, they’re going to kick me out for a third time because I’m mean, old, and gay.”
Despite the humor, DeGeneres described the experience as “devastating” and admitted it had significantly impacted her self-esteem.
A Major Move for Ellen and Portia
In addition to her professional shift, DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have made a bold personal decision to relocate. Known for their passion for real estate in Montecito, California, the couple recently purchased a home in the Cotswolds, a picturesque region in the U.K., approximately two hours from London.
According to reports from The Wrap, the move was influenced by the reelection of former President Donald Trump. The couple, who have flipped more than 21 properties in Santa Barbara County, accelerated their relocation plans after Trump’s victory.
Although they haven’t finalized the sale of their Montecito estate, the move to the British countryside seems to reflect their desire for a quieter life away from the intensity of fame.
A New Chapter for DeGeneres
The relocation offers DeGeneres and de Rossi a fresh start, potentially providing the space and tranquility to heal from recent challenges. In her Netflix special, For Your Approval, DeGeneres joked about her public perception, saying, “The ‘Be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. Had I ended my show by saying, ‘Go f*** yourselves,’ people would have been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind.”
As they settle into their new home in the U.K., Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi appear ready to embrace a slower, more peaceful pace of life.