In response to Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have decided to relocate to the Cotswolds, highlighting growing concerns within the LGBTQ+ community.
In a significant development within the LGBTQ+ community, renowned television personality Ellen DeGeneres and her long-time partner, Portia de Rossi, have reportedly made the decision to leave the United States in the wake of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. The couple has chosen to relocate to the picturesque Cotswolds in South West England, a region well-known for its stunning rural landscapes and celebrity residents.
The news comes at a time when DeGeneres is facing heightened public scrutiny following the release of her second and final stand-up special on Netflix. This return to the spotlight follows past allegations of workplace misconduct that have dogged her career. Despite these challenges, the couple’s move to the UK seems primarily motivated by the political climate in the United States, particularly their emotional response to Trump’s re-election—an event that has stirred alarm among many within the LGBTQ+ community.
Their new residence in the Cotswolds marks a significant lifestyle change. The couple has placed their luxurious Balinese-inspired mansion in Montecito, California on the market. This estate, acquired in 2019 for approximately USD 27 million, features an impressive five bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and an expansive infinity pool, highlighting their previous high-profile lifestyle in the United States.
Insiders indicate that the couple had procured property in England prior to the election, but the palpable disillusionment following Trump’s return to power propelled them to act on their plans more swiftly. One source revealed that the pair felt a strong desire to “get the hell out” of the country, which reflects a broader sense of anxiety felt within the LGBTQ+ community post-election.
The day after the election on 6 November, a notable rise in Google searches for “LGBTQ+ safe countries to move to” was observed, indicating widespread concern among queer individuals regarding potential rollbacks of their rights under the new administration. This spike in searches further underscores the urgency and fear that many feel in light of recent political developments.
As DeGeneres and de Rossi settle into their new surroundings in the UK, representatives for the couple have not yet provided any official statements regarding their departure or future plans. Nevertheless, their relocation highlights the ongoing challenges and shifts faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and families in light of evolving political landscapes both in the United States and beyond.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Image: Shutterstock.