When Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, packed their bags and moved from the United States to the United Kingdom, their decision was widely seen as a response to the turbulent state of American politics. At the time, Ellen had grown increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the country, particularly with the rise of Donald Trump and his growing influence.
Those close to Ellen recall her expressing a need for distance—not only from the constant public attention but also from an environment that she felt had shifted in an uncomfortable way. “I just can’t breathe here anymore,” she reportedly said during the time leading up to the move.
For Ellen, relocating to the UK was meant to be an escape, a fresh start away from the chaos of American politics, the controversy surrounding the later years of her talk show, and the constant media scrutiny she had faced. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to step away from the spotlight and enjoy a quieter, more private life. Many believed that she had found the peace she was searching for, with fewer headlines, less noise, and an environment far removed from the spotlight of the U.S.
But now, nearly a year later, sources close to Ellen say she has come to deeply regret her decision. Apparently, she has quietly shared her desire to return to America, even admitting that moving abroad was “a mistake.” Her statement reflects how serious her feelings have become, and it underscores the emotional toll of her relocation.
Initially, Ellen had underestimated the impact of leaving the U.S. While the political frustrations that drove her departure faded once she was overseas, she soon discovered that the UK offered something else—an overwhelming sense of isolation. The country life that seemed quaint at first quickly turned into a place where days felt indistinguishable and quiet. Although her neighbors were friendly, Ellen found it difficult to form close connections. The social circles were much more reserved, and integrating into them turned out to be more challenging than she anticipated. For someone who had built her career on connection, humor, and engagement, the solitude became stifling instead of restorative.
The weather played a significant role in her emotional shift. Having spent most of her life in sunny California, Ellen found the cold, damp, and often dreary British weather increasingly difficult to handle. Friends report that the winter months, in particular, took a heavy toll on her mental health, with Ellen describing them as “dark in a way that wasn’t just about the sky.” The seasonal gloom seemed to trigger a deeper sense of introspection, forcing her to confront the reasons she left—and what she truly needed to feel whole again.
However, it wasn’t just the external environment that caused her to reconsider; it was a deeper internal realization. At the time of her departure, Ellen had felt justified in leaving due to the overwhelming political climate, but what she hadn’t anticipated was how much she would miss the familiar aspects of her life—her routines, the people she cherished, and the comfort of knowing she was home. As the months passed, the political reasons that initially motivated her move seemed less relevant, and what took center stage was the emotional emptiness that followed.
Sources close to Ellen describe her growing regret as gradual but unmistakable. “She didn’t leave the U.S. because she stopped loving it,” one friend shared. “She left because she felt overwhelmed. But distance doesn’t always heal—sometimes, it just exposes what you value most.”
Portia, who tried to adjust to their new life with grace, is said to have also felt the weight of the move. The couple found themselves more isolated than they had been in years. While they had initially sought privacy, the total lack of a support system became harder to bear than they expected.
Ellen is said to have spoken about missing the spontaneity of American culture, the energy of Los Angeles, and even the chaotic unpredictability of American politics—frustrations and all. “At least it felt alive,” she reportedly said to a friend.
Recently, Ellen has expressed a strong desire not only to return to the U.S. but also to rebuild her life there. The regret she feels is described as sober and heartfelt. She no longer seeks distance; instead, she yearns for reconnection—to her community, her work, and the identity she left behind.
Her team is now reportedly working on the logistics of a return, including securing property, reestablishing legal residence, and deciding how she might reenter public life. Industry insiders suggest that any return to entertainment would likely be more measured and thoughtful—perhaps smaller, more introspective creative projects rather than a revival of her former talk show.
At the heart of Ellen’s regret is the realization that leaving the U.S. in search of relief from political division didn’t bring the peace she expected. Instead, it created a profound emotional void that only familiarity and a sense of belonging could fill. While the political climate in America may have driven her to leave, it is her deep yearning for home—and the understanding of what home truly means—that is now calling her back.
Ellen’s admission that “moving out was a mistake” reflects a powerful moment of clarity. It speaks to a universal truth: that no matter how troubled a home might feel during moments of crisis, it remains home. And now, after months of reflection and introspection, Ellen appears ready to return—not because America has changed, but because she has.
