Ellen DeGeneres, the iconic American television personality, has recently opened up about her decision to relocate to the United Kingdom following the re-election of Donald Trump as president. During a public appearance in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, she shared that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, felt compelled to settle in the UK after what they perceived as a troubling political climate in the U.S.
Ellen emphasized that life in the UK feels "just better," reflecting on the charm of the countryside and the warmth of the community. The couple had initially intended to split their time between the U.S. and England but was so affected by the election results that they opted to stay permanently. "We woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis," she recalled. "And we're like, 'We're staying here.'"
Moving to the picturesque Cotswolds, Ellen has been integrating into rural life, enjoying the beauty of the region, and connecting with animals on their property. While she humorously noted some initial challenges with farm life, such as sheep that managed to escape, she expressed contentment with her new surroundings and the "clean" way of living, which stands in stark contrast to her experiences in Los Angeles.
Ellen's discussion also touched on the broader challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Reflecting on her journey as a trailblazer in Hollywood, she admitted that being gay in the entertainment industry remains fraught with difficulties. Although she has made strides in visibility and representation, she acknowledged the ongoing fear many individuals face in revealing their identities. "If it was better," she posited, "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."
She voiced concerns over recent legislative moves in the U.S. that threaten the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in relation to same-sex marriage. "The Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage," Ellen stated, alluding to various state bills that could affect marriage equality. Her commitment to advocating for these rights remains steadfast, revealing that she and Portia are considering a wedding in the UK should conditions worsen in the U.S.
Ellen also candidly addressed the controversy surrounding her former talk show, which ended in 2022 due to allegations of a toxic workplace. "I could be very blunt," she admitted, reflecting on how that had contributed to her reputation. However, she maintained that such portrayals are often exaggerated and stem from societal expectations of women to be perpetually accommodating. "How dare us have any kind of mood?" she questioned, emphasizing the challenges women face in public life.
As she navigates this new chapter, Ellen expressed a desire to continue engaging with audiences, although she acknowledges that the landscape of entertainment is evolving. Wrestling with the idea of potentially launching a British talk show, she concluded that any future endeavors would need to align with her interests and bring joy.
For now, Ellen is enjoying a simpler life while remaining an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a critical observer of the cultural landscape. With her wit and charm intact, Ellen DeGeneres continues to inspire, reflect, and navigate the complexities of modern society from her new home across the Atlantic.
