This is not the first major change in DeGeneres’s life, as she recently announced her retirement from show business.
The comedian and former talk show host, famous for her 19-season run on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, revealed that her Netflix special, filmed on August 16, 2024, will be her final professional project.
The announcement came on the same day as her 16th wedding anniversary with Portia de Rossi, which she described as “lucky and special.” Now, the family is preparing to leave the U.S. and move abroad.
DeGeneres gained fame hosting her daytime talk show, which combined comedy, celebrity interviews, and touching human-interest stories. However, the show ended in 2022 after allegations of a toxic workplace, including claims of harassment and discrimination.
Although DeGeneres was not personally accused of misconduct, the scandal had a major impact on her reputation, and she has mostly stayed out of the public eye since. Recently, she made a return with Ellen’s Last Stand… Up Tour, which she confirmed would be her final farewell to television and film.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of her career, DeGeneres 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 that alleged a toxic workplace culture.
The reports included claims from current and former employees, with one stating, “That ‘be kind’ bulls**t only happens when the cameras are on. It’s all for show.” Another employee added, “It’s her responsibility to go beyond what executive producers tell her.”
Although DeGeneres addressed the issues publicly, admitting that things on her show “should never have happened,” the scandal marked a turning point in her career. In her stand-up routines, she has used humor to process the events.
Joking about her situation, DeGeneres 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.” Despite the humor, she acknowledged the personal toll, describing the experience as “devastating” and noting that it had a significant impact on her self-esteem.
Beyond her career shift, DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have also made significant personal changes. The couple, known for their love of real estate in Montecito, California, recently relocated to the U.K.
According to reports from The Wrap, the move was motivated by the reelection of former President Donald Trump. The pair, who have reportedly flipped over 21 properties in Santa Barbara County, decided to “get the hell out” after Trump’s victory.
DeGeneres and de Rossi purchased a home in the Cotswolds, about two hours from London, before the election, but Trump’s win accelerated their plans. Despite the relocation, they have yet to decide on a listing price for their Montecito estate.
The move to the British countryside appears to be a deliberate step toward a quieter life, away from the extremes of fame. This new chapter may provide DeGeneres with an opportunity to heal from the challenges of recent years.
“The ‘Be kind’ girl wasn’t kind,” she joked in her Netflix special, For Your Approval. “Had I ended my show by saying, ‘Go f*** yourselves,’ people would have been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind.”
