Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Ellen DeGeneres recently shared her reflections on the ongoing protests in Minneapolis while recalling the city as the happiest place in America.
January has been marked by widespread demonstrations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These protests erupted following the Department of Homeland Security’s increased immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, which involved deploying over 2,000 federal officers. The situation escalated after the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, causing rising tensions in the area.
In her video message, DeGeneres expressed her sorrow for the turmoil engulfing Minneapolis and the nation. She stated, “I just wanted to say I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really, but specifically Minneapolis right now. Because it’s where I shot my last stand-up special, and everybody there couldn’t have been more lovely.”
The comedian emphasized her affection for Minneapolis, saying, “I shot it there because they say it’s the happiest city in America. And I found that to be true. So my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone. And I’m proud of everyone who’s protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing.”
This comment sparked mixed reactions online. While many users supported her sentiments, others criticized DeGeneres for the timing and nature of her message.
A user commented, “Love will always outweigh hate!” reflecting a positive reception to her words.
Support continued, with one individual noting, “Wow, I agree with you on this even though we differ politically! Peace through unity,” and another expressing gratitude, saying, “As a Minnesotan, thank you. It’s rough here.”
Conversely, some critics voiced their disdain. One user remarked, “Ellen has no clue what’s going on out there,” reflecting frustration with the celebrity’s perspective.
Another comment suggested, “Ellen you should ask these illegal immigrants to cooperate with ICE so no one has to protest,” indicating a divisive response to the protests’ underlying issues.
Further criticism followed, with commenters questioning her relevance, including one that stated, “You really think anyone cares what you think now? Dream on,” a reference to DeGeneres’ choice to leave the U.S. after Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024.
Life in the U.K. After California
After Trump’s return to the White House in November 2024, DeGeneres opted for a quieter life in the English countryside, trading Hollywood for a more pastoral setting with her partner, Portia de Rossi.
Following news of their significant move, the couple was spotted socializing with friends at The Farmer’s Dog, a popular locale in the Cotswolds, a picturesque region in England. While the exact location of their new residence remains unclear, speculation suggests they are embracing a more laid-back lifestyle.
DeGeneres and de Rossi sold their Montecito home in August 2024, a fact confirmed by their realtor, Riskin Partners. Their decision to leave California seems to align with DeGeneres’ past statements about her public image and desire for a fresh start.
Politically active, DeGeneres has previously shown support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s bid for the presidency. She amplified Harris’s social media endorsements, reaffirming her commitment to political engagement.
Shifting Focus in Public Life
Since stepping back from the spotlight after her show ended, DeGeneres has pursued a different path. Following allegations of a toxic workplace that led to the cancellation of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she has largely retreated from public view.
Looking back, DeGeneres has discussed her life away from television in her comedy special, For Your Approval. In it, she shared her newfound hobbies, saying, “I decided to take up gardening. I got chickens. Let me see what else I can tell you about what’s been going on. . . . Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business. . . . Yeah, the ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline.”
She added, “Had I ended my show by saying, ‘Go f— yourselves,’ people would have been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind,” a humorous yet pointed reflection on her time in the entertainment industry.
As DeGeneres navigates this new chapter of her life, it remains to be seen how she will engage with contemporary issues and the public, especially after her recent comments about protests and unrest.
This report includes contributions from the Associated Press.
