Ellen DeGeneres, 67, and her wife, Portia de Rossi, 52, have made the Cotswolds their permanent home after leaving the US, a decision spurred by Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th US President in November 2024. Initially planning a part-time stay, the couple chose to stay for good, citing the UK’s charm and concerns over US policies. Ellen shared her love for their new life and addressed past controversies in her first UK public appearance. 🐓✨
A New Chapter in the Cotswolds
Speaking at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre on July 20, 2025, Ellen confirmed to broadcaster Richard Bacon that Trump’s re-election prompted their permanent move (BBC). “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.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here,’” she said (web:1). The couple, who sold their Montecito estate in August 2024 (web:11), settled in the Cotswolds, where Ellen raved about the “absolutely beautiful” villages, architecture, and “simpler way of life.” “It’s clean. Everything here is just better—the way animals are treated, people are polite,” she added (web:6). Despite moving in November and seeing snow for the first time, Ellen embraces rural life with chickens and briefly kept sheep, while Portia flew her horses over (web:14).
Concerns Over LGBTQ+ Rights
Ellen, who came out as gay in 1997 on her sitcom Ellen, expressed alarm over US moves to reverse same-sex marriage, referencing the Southern Baptist Convention’s June 2024 vote to endorse a ban (web:10). “They’re trying to stop it from happening and possibly reverse it. Portia and I are already looking into it, and if they do that, we’re going to get married here,” she said, hinting at remarrying in the UK to protect their 2008 marriage (web:17). She added, “I wish we lived in a society where everybody could accept other people’s differences” (web:19).
Addressing Past Controversies
Ellen’s move follows the 2022 end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show after allegations of a toxic workplace. In 2020, former employees accused her of fostering a harsh environment, leading to an internal Warner Bros. investigation and the departure of three executives (web:7). Addressing the “mean” label, Ellen told the Cheltenham crowd, “I’m a direct person, and I’m very blunt, and I guess sometimes that means I’m mean?” She dismissed much of the coverage as “clickbait” but admitted the show’s end was “unpleasant” (web:13). Her 2024 Netflix special For Your Approval also tackled these claims, blending humor with reflection (web:9).
A Fresh Start
Ellen’s relocation aligns with other celebrities, like Rosie O’Donnell, who moved to Ireland citing Trump’s presidency (web:15). Social media posts show Ellen enjoying her new life, from lawn-mowing to pub visits with stars like Natalie Imbruglia (web:5). While unsure of her next career move, she’s eager for something fun, saying, “I do like my chickens, but I’m a little bit bored” (web:1). Her story reflects a quest for peace and authenticity.
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