After years in the spotlight, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have decided to leave the US behind.
Ellen DeGeneres is no stranger to major life changes, and this one is no different. Recently, she shared news of her retirement from the entertainment industry, closing a chapter on a long and iconic career.
The comedian and talk show host became a household name with her 19-season run on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Now, she’s stepping away from the limelight, revealing that her Netflix special, filmed in August 2024, would be her last big project.
Interestingly, the announcement came around the time she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary—a milestone Ellen called 'both lucky and incredibly special.'
And as if retiring wasn’t enough, the couple is now preparing for another big shift in their lives—they’re leaving the United States and moving abroad.
DeGeneres is widely recognized for her groundbreaking career, blending humor, heartfelt stories, and celebrity interviews in her daytime talk show. But her tenure ended in 2022 amidst claims of a toxic workplace environment, including accusations of harassment and discrimination.
The fallout from those allegations marked the end of her long-running show, leading to a quieter few years out of the public eye.
Although Ellen wasn’t personally accused of misconduct, the controversy had a noticeable impact on her reputation. Since then, she has kept a relatively low profile, aside from her recent comedy tour, Ellen's Last Stand… Up, which she confirmed would be her final public performance.
Looking back on her journey and the highs and lows of her career, she said: "This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done."
The workplace scandal first surfaced in 2020 when BuzzFeed published reports detailing issues on her show.
The exposé featured accounts from former and current employees. One of them claimed: "That 'be kind' bulls**t only happens when the cameras are on. It's all for show."
Another added their take, stating: "It's her responsibility to go beyond what executive producers tell her."
Ellen addressed the allegations publicly, admitting that unacceptable things had occurred behind the scenes.
However, it was clear the fallout marked a major turning point in her career and public image.
In typical fashion, Ellen has used her stand-up routines to process the events through humor.
She joked about her turbulent career, saying: "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."
While Ellen’s jokes have brought some levity to the situation, she hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the emotional toll.
She described the entire ordeal as 'devastating,' adding that it left a lasting impression on her confidence.
Beyond her professional life, Ellen and Portia have made significant personal changes too.
Known for their love of Montecito real estate, the pair have now relocated to the U.K.
According to reports from The Wrap, their decision to leave the US was partly fueled by the reelection of former President Donald Trump.
This event prompted Ellen and Portia to take decisive action.
The couple, who have a history of flipping homes in Santa Barbara County, decided to expedite their move after Trump’s victory.
They had already purchased a charming property in the Cotswolds, about two hours from London, before the election.
Trump’s win only solidified their plans to leave the US behind and embrace a new life overseas.
Although the couple hasn’t yet listed their sprawling Montecito estate for sale, their relocation to the tranquil British countryside seems like a deliberate move toward a slower, more private lifestyle.
This fresh start could be exactly what Ellen needs after the challenges of recent years, giving her space to focus on healing and rediscovery.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ellen joked during her Netflix special, For Your Approval: "The 'Be kind' girl wasn't kind," She added with her signature wit: "Had I ended my show by saying, 'Go f*** yourselves,' people would have been pleasantly surprised to find out I'm kind."