Ellen DeGeneres revealed why Donald Trump was the reason behind her move to the U.K.
The TV star made her first public appearance since leaving the U.S. this weekend (20 July) in Cheltenham, and spoke out about her reasons for moving to the U.K.
She noted that life in the UK is ‘just better,’ and that America can still be ‘scary for people to be who they are.’
The 67-year-old moved over to the picturesque Cotswolds with her wife, Portia de Rossi, the day before the election results were announced in the US.
The pair had initially planned to spend three or four months a year in the UK, and purchased what they thought would be ‘a part-time house.’
But after it was announced that Donald Trump had been re-elected, the two decided that they were staying for good.
Speaking to the BBC about their new-found life, the TV host said: “It’s absolutely beautiful.
“We’re just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. The villages and the towns and the architecture – everything you see is charming and it’s just a simpler way of life.
“It’s clean. Everything here is just better – the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here.
“We moved here in November, which was not the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life.”
DeGeneres rose to fame hosting her daytime talk show, blending comedy, celebrity interviews, and heartfelt human-interest stories.
However, the show ended in 2022 following allegations of a toxic workplace environment, including claims of harassment and discrimination.
While DeGeneres herself wasn’t accused of misconduct, the scandal significantly impacted her reputation, and she has largely stayed out of the public eye since.
Recently, DeGeneres returned to the spotlight with Ellen’s Last Stand… Up Tour, which she confirmed would mark her farewell to television and film.
Reflecting on her career’s ups and downs, she said: “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
The controversy surrounding her show began in 2020, when BuzzFeed published exposés alleging a toxic workplace culture.
The reports included claims from current and former employees, one of whom stated: “That ‘be kind’ bulls**t only happens when the cameras are on. It’s all for show.”
Another added: “It’s her responsibility to go beyond what executive producers tell her.”
Although DeGeneres addressed these issues publicly, 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, DeGeneres has used humor to process the events.
Joking about her situation, she said: “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.”
Degeneres and de Rossi reportedly flipped over 21 properties in Santa Barbara County, before making the move across the pond.
Reflecting on one of the many reasons she chose to leave America, Degeneres added: “The Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage.
“They’re trying to literally stop it from happening in the future 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 noted that the younger generation are ‘more comfortable with’ sexuality, and are ‘just kind of fluid.’
“I think the younger generation is going to show us the way,” she said.
