Ellen DeGeneres Leaves America for English Countryside, Declares She’ll Never Return

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved comedian and talk show host, has permanently relocated to the English countryside, vowing never to return to the United States. The Emmy-winning star, best known for her groundbreaking daytime program The Ellen DeGeneres Show, sold her luxurious Montecito estate in California and settled into a quaint 18th-century manor in the Cotswolds, a region famed for its idyllic landscapes and serene lifestyle. Ellen’s announcement, made in March 2025, has left fans reeling as she declared, “I will never return to America,” citing a toxic social and political environment as her primary motivation. Her departure marks a dramatic turning point in her life, raising questions about her legacy, her future in entertainment, and the broader trend of celebrities seeking refuge abroad amid personal and societal challenges.

A Deliberate Departure from Hollywood

Ellen’s decision to leave the U.S. comes after a tumultuous period in her career. Her eponymous talk show, which aired for 19 seasons and won 64 Daytime Emmy Awards, ended in 2022 amid allegations of workplace misconduct . Reports surfaced in 2020 of a toxic work environment behind the scenes, with former employees accusing the show of fostering racism, bullying, and harassment—claims that sharply contrasted with Ellen’s public persona of kindness and positivity . While Ellen denied direct involvement in the misconduct, acknowledging only that she was unaware of the issues, the scandal undeniably tarnished her reputation . An internal investigation by WarnerMedia led to the dismissal of three senior producers, but the damage to Ellen’s image lingered, prompting her to step back from the public eye after the show’s finale .

Speculation about Ellen’s next move had been rife for months, with rumors of her relocating abroad gaining traction in late 2024. Sources close to the star confirmed that her decision to leave was driven by a desire to escape the relentless media scrutiny and negativity that followed the scandal . “She felt like she couldn’t move forward in America,” a friend revealed. “The environment had become suffocating, and she needed a fresh start.” Selling her Montecito estate, a $40 million property epitomizing Californian luxury with its modern architecture and ocean views, was a symbolic act of severing ties with her past life in Hollywood .

A New Home in the Cotswolds

Ellen’s new residence in the Cotswolds, purchased in early 2025, offers a stark contrast to the glitz of Montecito. The sprawling 18th-century manor, nestled in a picturesque English village, features traditional stone walls, expansive gardens, and sweeping views of the rolling hills . The Cotswolds, known for its charming cottages and tranquil lifestyle, has become a popular retreat for celebrities seeking privacy, with figures like Kate Moss and David Beckham also owning properties in the area . For Ellen, the move represents a chance to reconnect with nature and find peace after years in the spotlight.

The Montecito estate, which Ellen shared with her wife, Portia de Rossi, was a cornerstone of their life in California. Located in a celebrity enclave alongside neighbors like Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry, the property boasted infinity pools, lush gardens, and panoramic ocean views . Selling it signaled Ellen’s intent to distance herself from the American celebrity culture she once dominated, a culture she now describes as “toxic.” In her candid statement to the press, Ellen elaborated on her reasons for leaving: “America no longer feels like home to me. The environment has become too toxic, both socially and politically. I need a place where I can breathe, think, and rediscover who I am without the noise” .

Public Reaction: Support and Criticism

Ellen’s announcement has elicited a mixed response from fans and critics alike. On platforms like X, many fans expressed sadness but also understanding, with posts reflecting empathy for her need to find peace. “I’m heartbroken Ellen is leaving, but I get it—she deserves to be happy after all the hate,” one user wrote [Post ID: 0]. Others praised her for prioritizing her mental health, noting that the Cotswolds move aligns with her long-standing love for nature and animals, which she frequently highlighted on her show through her wildlife conservation efforts .

However, critics were quick to question Ellen’s motives, accusing her of fleeing rather than addressing the controversies that marked her show’s end. Some pointed out the privilege her wealth affords, with one X post stating, “Ellen can just pack up and leave when things get tough—most Americans don’t have that luxury” [Post ID: 1]. Others argued that her departure perpetuates a narrative of avoidance, suggesting she should have stayed to rebuild her reputation through transparency and accountability . Despite the criticism, Ellen appears resolute, focusing on her new chapter rather than engaging with detractors.

A Broader Trend of Celebrity Exodus

Ellen’s move to England reflects a growing trend among high-profile figures seeking refuge abroad amid America’s divisive political and social climate. Celebrities like Johnny Depp, who relocated to Europe after his highly publicized legal battles, and Tina Turner, who lived in Switzerland until her death in 2023, have similarly cited a desire for privacy and a less contentious environment . The 2024 U.S. presidential election, which saw Donald Trump return to power, further intensified these sentiments, with stars like Cher and Barbra Streisand reportedly considering leaving the country [Post ID: 2]. Ellen’s departure, while personal, taps into this broader narrative of disillusionment with the American cultural landscape.

Her statement about America’s “toxic” environment resonates with those who feel overwhelmed by the nation’s political polarization and media scrutiny. The entertainment industry, in particular, has become a battleground for ideological conflicts, with celebrities often facing backlash for their views or past actions. Ellen’s exit underscores the toll this environment can take, even on someone as successful and influential as she is .

A Reinvention in the English Countryside

Despite her departure from the U.S., Ellen has made it clear that she is not retiring from her platform entirely. Sources close to her revealed that she is exploring new projects from her Cotswolds home, with rumors suggesting a potential return to television in a different capacity . “She’s thinking about doing something more low-key, perhaps a documentary series or an interview show with a more serious tone,” a source disclosed. “This is not a retirement—it’s a reinvention” . Such a move would align with Ellen’s desire to redefine her legacy on her own terms, focusing on projects that reflect her personal growth and passions.

The Cotswolds also offers Ellen the opportunity to indulge her love for nature and animals. She has long been an advocate for wildlife conservation, famously partnering with organizations like the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund to protect endangered species . Her new home, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, provides the perfect setting to deepen her commitment to these causes. Friends have noted a renewed sense of peace and enthusiasm in Ellen since the move, describing her as “happier than she’s been in years” .

What Lies Ahead for Ellen DeGeneres

As Ellen settles into her new life in the English countryside, the entertainment world watches with bated breath to see what she’ll do next. Her departure from America may mark the end of an era, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter—one defined by introspection, creativity, and a return to her roots as a storyteller. Whether through a documentary series, a new show, or her continued advocacy for wildlife, Ellen’s influence is far from over.

For fans, Ellen’s move is a bittersweet moment, reflecting both the challenges she faced in America and the promise of a brighter future abroad. Her decision to leave behind the toxicity of Hollywood for the tranquility of the Cotswolds is a powerful statement about the importance of self-preservation and authenticity. As she embarks on this journey of reinvention, Ellen DeGeneres remains a cultural icon, proving that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for growth, healing, and new beginnings.

Conclusion

Ellen DeGeneres’s permanent relocation to the English countryside, coupled with her declaration that she will “never return to America,” has captivated the entertainment world and beyond. The sale of her Montecito estate and her move to a historic manor in the Cotswolds represent a deliberate break from the toxic environment she associates with the U.S., driven by the fallout from her show’s workplace scandal and broader societal tensions . While her departure has sparked both support and criticism, Ellen’s focus on reinvention—through potential new projects and her passion for nature—offers a glimpse of a future where she can reclaim her narrative on her own terms. As she begins this new chapter, Ellen’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the enduring impact of a cultural icon who refuses to be defined by her past.