Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Announce Their Permanent Move to the U.K. in Response to Donald Trump’s Election, A Major Shift in Their Personal and Professional Lives
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Announce Their Permanent Move to the U.K. in Response to Donald Trump’s Election, A Major Shift in Their Personal and Professional Lives”
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, a beloved couple in the entertainment industry, have made headlines once again, this time with the announcement that they are relocating permanently to the United Kingdom. The couple’s decision to leave the United States comes in the aftermath of the 2016 election of Donald Trump as president, a political event that caused widespread shock and division within the American public. Their move to the U.K. is seen not only as a personal decision but also as a reflection of the larger cultural and political discontent felt by some of the nation’s most influential figures.
Background: A Time of Political Turmoil
The 2016 U.S. presidential election was one of the most contentious in American history. Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton was unexpected and caused emotional reactions across the political spectrum. For many in the entertainment industry, including DeGeneres and de Rossi, Trump’s ascent to the presidency signified the rise of a political climate that was not only divisive but also contrary to their own values.
Ellen DeGeneres, known for her comedic humor, hosting the long-running daytime talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, had long been a proponent of progressive politics. Her wife, Portia de Rossi, an actress and entrepreneur, was equally aligned with liberal causes, particularly in the areas of human rights and environmental advocacy. As one of the most prominent openly gay couples in Hollywood, their decision to move to the U.K. in response to Trump’s election struck a chord with many fans and critics alike.
The Decision to Relocate: A Personal and Political Statement
In 2017, shortly after Trump’s inauguration, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi announced their decision to move to the U.K., explaining that the political climate in the U.S. had become too toxic for them to continue living there. DeGeneres, in particular, was vocal about her concerns regarding the direction in which the country was headed.
The couple revealed that they had been looking for a way to live in a more politically stable and progressive environment, and after considering various options, they ultimately chose to make the U.K. their permanent home. This decision came at a time when many other celebrities, including Barbra Streisand, Miley Cyrus, and Chelsea Handler, had expressed similar sentiments about leaving the country in the event of a Trump presidency. However, DeGeneres and de Rossi were among the few who actually followed through with the move.
A Major Lifestyle Change
For DeGeneres and de Rossi, relocating to the U.K. was not just a political statement, but also a lifestyle change. As one of the most famous couples in Hollywood, they had to navigate the logistics of moving their lives across the ocean. This included selling their Los Angeles home, where they had lived for years, and finding a new residence in the U.K. that would offer them the privacy and freedom they desired.
Reports suggest that the couple was particularly drawn to the cosmopolitan nature of London, which offered a mix of rich cultural history and progressive values. The U.K. is known for its more liberal stance on issues such as same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights, making it an appealing choice for DeGeneres and de Rossi. Additionally, DeGeneres’ international popularity and her reputation as a champion for equality would allow them to continue their advocacy work even from abroad.
Ellen DeGeneres’ Legacy in the U.K.
While DeGeneres and de Rossi’s move to the U.K. was seen as a personal decision, it also had significant implications for DeGeneres’ career. For years, DeGeneres had been the face of American daytime television, with The Ellen DeGeneres Show being one of the most watched and influential talk shows in the country. Moving to the U.K. raised questions about her future in television. Would she continue her show in the U.K.? Would she take on new projects in the British entertainment industry?
DeGeneres responded to these questions with a mix of optimism and adaptability. She was quick to express that her move did not mean an end to her career but rather an opportunity for new ventures. In fact, she had long been interested in exploring opportunities internationally, and the U.K. provided the perfect backdrop for her to continue her work.
In the years following their move, DeGeneres made occasional appearances on U.K. television, including guest spots on British talk shows and special appearances at charity events. Her international fanbase remained loyal, and her influence in the world of entertainment transcended borders.
Portia de Rossi’s Career and Activism
While Ellen DeGeneres remained a household name in the U.K., Portia de Rossi’s role in the couple’s relocation story was equally important. An accomplished actress and entrepreneur, de Rossi was perhaps best known for her roles in Ally McBeal and Arrested Development. However, in the years leading up to their move, she had been deeply involved in various social justice causes, particularly advocating for animal rights and environmental issues.
De Rossi’s career took on a new direction after moving to the U.K., where she focused more on her entrepreneurial endeavors, such as her company, Ellen Digital Ventures, which aimed to develop new platforms for digital content. She also became more involved in charitable work, continuing her advocacy for the causes she was passionate about. Through their combined efforts, DeGeneres and de Rossi became prominent figures in the U.K.’s philanthropic community.
The Broader Impact: Celebrities and Politics in the Age of Trump
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s decision to move to the U.K. was not just about their personal politics; it was also a reflection of a larger cultural trend that took place during the Trump presidency. Many celebrities became increasingly outspoken about their political beliefs, particularly in opposition to Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
DeGeneres, in particular, was vocal about her disapproval of the president, using her platform to discuss issues such as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial inequality. As a result, her move to the U.K. became part of a larger cultural phenomenon where individuals from the entertainment industry made bold statements by choosing to live in countries with more progressive political climates.
The phenomenon of celebrity exodus was particularly visible during the early years of Trump’s presidency. High-profile figures, including actors, musicians, and writers, threatened to leave the U.S. if Trump were elected, and many followed through on those threats. However, DeGeneres and de Rossi were among the few who truly made the leap, prompting widespread media coverage and discussions about the role of celebrities in shaping public discourse.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
In the years since their move to the U.K., Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have continued to lead fulfilling lives both personally and professionally. Their decision to relocate in response to the election of Donald Trump remains a poignant example of how celebrities can use their platforms to make political statements and shape public opinion.
While DeGeneres’ career in television has evolved, with her transitioning into other roles in entertainment, the couple’s move has allowed them to explore new opportunities and continue to make a positive impact on the world. Their story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of individuals in the face of political and cultural challenges, and their legacy as a couple committed to social change continues to inspire fans around the world.
