In a surprising turn of events, Ellen DeGeneres has revealed her decision to move to the U.K., citing Donald Trump as a major influence. During a recent appearance at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, England, DeGeneres opened up about the motivations behind her and her wife Portia de Rossi’s relocation to the Cotswolds. The move signifies a significant lifestyle change and reflects DeGeneres’s feelings about contemporary American politics. Emphasizing that “everything here is just better,” she shed light on the positive changes and challenges that have come with this new chapter.
Deciding to Relocate
DeGeneres shared that the final push to move to the U.K came right after Trump’s election. “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 recalled. “And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’” This decision marked a significant change for the couple, who have embraced the serene countryside life.
The comedian expressed her appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of life in the Cotswolds. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” she noted. “The villages and the towns and the architecture – everything you see is charming, and it’s just a simpler way of life.” DeGeneres has found joy in activities such as caring for animals, with de Rossi even flying her horses to join their new home. This contrast to their previous lifestyle highlights their quest for tranquility.
Concerns for LGBTQ+ Rights
DeGeneres also voiced her worries about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. and mentioned that they are considering remarriage in the U.K. due to potential legal changes. “The Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage,” she said. The couple is contemplating their next steps if such reversals occur. Her comments reflect a broader concern for equality and acceptance, sentiments she wishes were more universally shared.
“I wish we were at a place where it was not scary for people to be who they are,” she added. This sentiment underscores her reasons for moving, reflecting on the socio-political climate in the U.S. that feels increasingly uncertain for many.
Reflecting on Her Career and Future
The topic of the end of her talk show, “Ellen,” also came up during the interview. DeGeneres discussed how the allegations of a toxic work environment affected her. “No matter what, any article that came up, it was like, ‘She’s mean,’” she explained, detailing the challenges of addressing such criticisms publicly while maintaining her own sense of identity. She remains contemplative about her career’s trajectory post-show, admitting that she misses aspects of her former work.
With no immediate plans for a new project, DeGeneres is contemplating her future. “I want to have fun, I want to do something,” she remarked, expressing a desire to stay engaged creatively.
A Broader Trend?
Ellen DeGeneres is not alone in making such a significant move. Fellow comedian Rosie O’Donnell made headlines after relocating to Ireland amid similar political frustrations. These shifts highlight a trend among American celebrities seeking refuge from the fraught political landscape back home.
As DeGeneres and de Rossi settle into their new life in the U.K., their story serves as a poignant reflection of personal choices driven by broader societal contexts. While she continues to explore new paths, Ellen’s journey illustrates how deeply personal and political decisions can intertwine, leading to transformative life changes.
