Ellen DeGeneres, once America's beloved talk show queen, has established a new life in the picturesque Cotswolds following career-ending workplace bullying allegations that forced her retreat from Hollywood. The comedian, who celebrates her 68th birthday today, has purchased a property believed to be worth approximately £20 million with her wife Portia de Rossi, joining other notable residents including the Beckhams and King Charles and Queen Camilla in the sought-after region.
The Rise and Fall of a Television Empire
For nearly two decades, Ellen DeGeneres dominated daytime television with her immensely popular programme, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Premiering on September 8, 2003, the show became a cultural phenomenon, securing an impressive 61 daytime Emmy awards from 171 nominations during its 19-season run. The presenter built her brand around dancing with audience members, welcoming celebrity guests, and promoting her signature message encouraging everyone to "be kind to one another."
Toxic Workplace Allegations Surface
In July 2020, DeGeneres' carefully constructed empire began to crumble when explosive allegations of a toxic workplace environment emerged online. Former staff members from her talk show accused the star of bullying behaviour and fostering an atmosphere of intimidation, with grievances extending to allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct by producers. The controversy even appeared to taint some of her on-air interactions with guests.
A particularly revealing moment occurred in November 2019 when actress Dakota Johnson appeared on the programme. During their conversation, DeGeneres claimed she hadn't received an invitation to Johnson's 30th birthday celebration, prompting the actress to deliver what would become an iconic retort: "Actually, no, that's not the truth, Ellen. You were invited." Johnson continued, explaining that DeGeneres had previously been upset about missing an earlier invitation, which prompted her to extend one this time, adding pointedly, "I didn't even know you liked me! But I did invite you and you didn't come, so."
Public Backlash and Career Collapse
The bullying claims swiftly transformed public opinion, turning DeGeneres from a cherished A-list figure into one of showbusiness's most unpopular personalities. Viewing figures plummeted dramatically as sponsors began withdrawing their agreements with the programme. Despite issuing a public apology to former staff members and guests, the damage proved irreversible as her fanbase abandoned her in droves.
"After 19 seasons, the Ellen DeGeneres Show was cancelled in 2022," explained sources close to the situation. The presenter's swift fall from grace forced her complete retreat from public life, ending a television career that had once seemed untouchable.
Cotswolds Sanctuary
Since departing Hollywood, DeGeneres and de Rossi have established their new home in the Cotswolds, relocating following Donald Trump's presidential election win. The couple have been photographed exploring various villages and local attractions, including visits to Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog pub in Burford, suggesting they're embracing their new rural lifestyle.
Glimpses of their property shared on social media reveal an open-plan layout connecting the kitchen, dining room and living room. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of the verdant rear garden, while the interior design features subtle elegance with a tiled dining table surrounded by eight leather chairs, a glass coffee table, and lounge chairs positioned on soft grey and ecru rugs.
Failed Comeback Attempt
Years after her retreat, DeGeneres attempted to revive her stand-up comedy career, launching a Netflix stand-up special alongside a farewell comedy tour in 2024. On stage, she addressed the scandals directly, admitting "I got kicked out of show business for being mean," but critics slammed her comeback as self-pitying rather than genuinely contrite.
Instead of winning back fans, her attempts at redemption fell completely flat, forcing her to retire from comedy permanently. "As of 2025, Ellen is 66, officially retired and living out of the spotlight," confirmed industry observers, marking the final chapter in a dramatic career arc that saw her transition from television royalty to Cotswolds recluse following the bullying allegations that destroyed her public image.
