The celebrity world has been shaken following Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, with several stars—including talk show icon Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Portia de Rossi—reportedly leaving the United States in dismay. The couple, long-time supporters of Kamala Harris, are said to be so disillusioned by Trump’s return to power that they’ve permanently relocated to the idyllic Cotswolds in South West England.
Hollywood Exodus or Political Protest?
According to reports, Ellen and Portia sold their luxurious Montecito mansion and are preparing to list another California property. This bold move comes amid a wave of celebrity departures, with stars like Eva Longoria, Sharon Stone, and Cher also considering life outside the US.
DeGeneres, who publicly endorsed Kamala Harris as her pick for president, expressed her disappointment on Instagram before the election: “There’s nothing more powerful than a woman whose time has come!” With Trump’s win, it seems her hope for Harris’s presidency was crushed, prompting this dramatic relocation.
Celebrities Packing Their Bags: Trend or Tantrum?
Ellen and Portia’s decision echoes the sentiment of many Hollywood elites who are vocal critics of Trump’s policies. Eva Longoria has started dividing her time between Spain and Mexico, calling America a “dystopian country”. Meanwhile, Cher had previously vowed to take drastic steps if Trump regained the presidency, and Jimmy Kimmel humorously announced his intention to leave the US during a recent show.
Hollywood’s A-listers seem to be eyeing Europe as their sanctuary of choice, with Italy’s scenic allure and the UK’s cosmopolitan appeal topping the list. Canada, known for its progressive policies, is another popular pick, offering proximity to the US without the perceived political turmoil.
Backlash and Polarization
While some fans applaud these stars for taking a stand, critics argue that such actions come off as privileged melodrama. Many question whether celebrities, with their immense wealth and access, can genuinely empathize with the struggles of everyday Americans.
Trump’s supporters, on the other hand, see these celebrity departures as empty theatrics, with one commenting, “Good riddance! Maybe they’ll realize America isn’t as bad as they think when they miss it.”
A Hollywood Trend in the Making?
With more stars reportedly mulling over relocation, could this be the beginning of a Hollywood exodus? Or is it just a fleeting protest gesture in response to political dissatisfaction? As Ellen and Portia settle into their English countryside retreat, all eyes remain on the rest of Tinseltown to see if more stars will follow suit—or if this drama fizzles out as just another chapter in the celebrity political playbook.