Ellen DeGeneres has officially addressed her relocation to the UK during her first public appearance since moving. The comedian revealed that her decision to settle in the Cotswolds followed Donald Trump's re-election as president, stating, "life is just better" in England.
Speaking to an audience in Cheltenham, the former talk-show host explained that both she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, initially viewed their move as a part-time adventure. However, after waking up post-election to overwhelming messages from friends expressing their sorrow over the election results, they opted to remain permanently.
The 67-year-old DeGeneres expressed her enjoyment of the simpler lifestyle in the rural UK, highlighting its beauty, politeness, and improved treatment of animals. Reflecting on her past, she noted that the environment in America remains "scary for people to be who they are," and mentioned the possibility of remarrying in England should US same-sex marriage laws face challenges.
Regarding her departure from her successful talk show, which ended in 2022 amid allegations of a toxic workplace, DeGeneres admitted to being "very blunt" but regarded the negative press as mere "clickbait". She confirms that while progress exists for LGBTQ+ visibility, many individuals in the entertainment industry still struggle with their identities due to societal pressures.
"Being gay in Hollywood is still a problem," she remarked, noting that though young people today are more accepting, there remains a long way to go before true equality is achieved.
While some may perceive her forthrightness as being mean, DeGeneres reflected on the unfairness of such labels, especially concerning female figures in entertainment.
Though she misses her previous television format, DeGeneres expressed uncertainty about her future endeavors, emphasizing that she is keen to pursue something enjoyable, potentially even in the realm of British television. "I want to have fun, I want to do something," she concluded, as she embraces her new life in the UK.
Speaking to an audience in Cheltenham, the former talk-show host explained that both she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, initially viewed their move as a part-time adventure. However, after waking up post-election to overwhelming messages from friends expressing their sorrow over the election results, they opted to remain permanently.
The 67-year-old DeGeneres expressed her enjoyment of the simpler lifestyle in the rural UK, highlighting its beauty, politeness, and improved treatment of animals. Reflecting on her past, she noted that the environment in America remains "scary for people to be who they are," and mentioned the possibility of remarrying in England should US same-sex marriage laws face challenges.
Regarding her departure from her successful talk show, which ended in 2022 amid allegations of a toxic workplace, DeGeneres admitted to being "very blunt" but regarded the negative press as mere "clickbait". She confirms that while progress exists for LGBTQ+ visibility, many individuals in the entertainment industry still struggle with their identities due to societal pressures.
"Being gay in Hollywood is still a problem," she remarked, noting that though young people today are more accepting, there remains a long way to go before true equality is achieved.
While some may perceive her forthrightness as being mean, DeGeneres reflected on the unfairness of such labels, especially concerning female figures in entertainment.
Though she misses her previous television format, DeGeneres expressed uncertainty about her future endeavors, emphasizing that she is keen to pursue something enjoyable, potentially even in the realm of British television. "I want to have fun, I want to do something," she concluded, as she embraces her new life in the UK.
