Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's British Adventure: Will Winter Bring Them Back?
As the US continues to grapple with Donald Trump's presidency, many celebrities have been vocal about their desire to leave. But while some are rethinking their stance, others seem committed to staying abroad. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who arrived in the UK last year, appear to be no exception.
The California couple declared they wouldn't be returning to the US as soon as Trump won the election, opting instead for life on "the saner side of the Atlantic". Their decision was met with some skepticism, with one wag quipping: "Just put on another jumper, Ellen! Abandon your weird American ideas about how the sky ought to be blue." But it seems DeGeneres and de Rossi are sticking to their guns.
According to rumor, however, the couple may be reconsidering their decision. The Mail on Sunday reports that they're missing their friends and can't stand the thought of another British winter. One wonders if they'll pack up their designer homes in the Cotswolds and return to Trumpland.
DeGeneres' willingness to flee creeping fascism only to run straight back to it because she's not used to being chilly is hard to take seriously, however. Abandoning your principles due to a bit of winter weather seems a bit... soft. It's understandable to feel homesick, but one would hope that celebrities with the means and influence to make a real difference wouldn't be swayed so easily.
The phenomenon isn't unique to DeGeneres, though. Since Trump burst onto the scene, Hollywood has resembled an airport lounge: many people have been announcing their imminent departures. But few have followed through. Celebrities like Amy Schumer, Miley Cyrus, and Barbra Streisand have all threatened to leave but seem hesitant to take action.
On the other hand, there are a handful of US celebrities who have actually fled and don't appear to have any plans to return. Courtney Love, who's been living in London since 2019, says she's planning to get her British citizenship. Love called Trump's political situation "frightening", and it's hard not to sympathize with her decision.
Rosie O'Donnell has also relocated her family to Ireland, citing concerns for her non-binary child. Her comments about the safety of America for all citizens seem reasonable, especially considering Trump's history of targeting marginalized groups. It's understandable that she would want to keep her child safe from potential harm.
While some celebrities have been vocal about leaving the US under Trump, others seem more interested in making a statement than actually taking action. The brain drain caused by Trump seems real, with 75% of researchers considering leaving and international students losing interest in studying in the US. It's clear that many are fleeing the country due to the increasing authoritarianism.
But it remains to be seen whether DeGeneres and de Rossi will follow suit. Will a damp winter in the Cotswolds persuade them to return to Trumpland? Only time will tell.
As the US continues to grapple with Donald Trump's presidency, many celebrities have been vocal about their desire to leave. But while some are rethinking their stance, others seem committed to staying abroad. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who arrived in the UK last year, appear to be no exception.
The California couple declared they wouldn't be returning to the US as soon as Trump won the election, opting instead for life on "the saner side of the Atlantic". Their decision was met with some skepticism, with one wag quipping: "Just put on another jumper, Ellen! Abandon your weird American ideas about how the sky ought to be blue." But it seems DeGeneres and de Rossi are sticking to their guns.
According to rumor, however, the couple may be reconsidering their decision. The Mail on Sunday reports that they're missing their friends and can't stand the thought of another British winter. One wonders if they'll pack up their designer homes in the Cotswolds and return to Trumpland.
DeGeneres' willingness to flee creeping fascism only to run straight back to it because she's not used to being chilly is hard to take seriously, however. Abandoning your principles due to a bit of winter weather seems a bit... soft. It's understandable to feel homesick, but one would hope that celebrities with the means and influence to make a real difference wouldn't be swayed so easily.
The phenomenon isn't unique to DeGeneres, though. Since Trump burst onto the scene, Hollywood has resembled an airport lounge: many people have been announcing their imminent departures. But few have followed through. Celebrities like Amy Schumer, Miley Cyrus, and Barbra Streisand have all threatened to leave but seem hesitant to take action.
On the other hand, there are a handful of US celebrities who have actually fled and don't appear to have any plans to return. Courtney Love, who's been living in London since 2019, says she's planning to get her British citizenship. Love called Trump's political situation "frightening", and it's hard not to sympathize with her decision.
Rosie O'Donnell has also relocated her family to Ireland, citing concerns for her non-binary child. Her comments about the safety of America for all citizens seem reasonable, especially considering Trump's history of targeting marginalized groups. It's understandable that she would want to keep her child safe from potential harm.
While some celebrities have been vocal about leaving the US under Trump, others seem more interested in making a statement than actually taking action. The brain drain caused by Trump seems real, with 75% of researchers considering leaving and international students losing interest in studying in the US. It's clear that many are fleeing the country due to the increasing authoritarianism.
But it remains to be seen whether DeGeneres and de Rossi will follow suit. Will a damp winter in the Cotswolds persuade them to return to Trumpland? Only time will tell.