Is the British weather about to send Ellen DeGeneres and other US celebrities scurrying back to Trump's America? As a Brit myself, I've got no qualms about wealthy immigrants setting up shop in the UK. However, I do believe they should embrace the local culture, rather than importing their own.
Let's talk about Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. This California couple touched down in the UK last year, just before the 2024 election. Once the results were in, they made it clear they were staying put, choosing the 'sane' side of the Atlantic. They bought a lavish home in the Cotswolds, with DeGeneres charming the locals by declaring everything was 'just better' in July.
But here's where it gets controversial... It's easy to be positive during a British summer. But now that winter has arrived, whispers suggest the fair-weather expats are considering a return to Trumpland. According to the Mail on Sunday, the couple misses their friends and can't bear another British winter. It's understandable to feel homesick, but it's a bit of a look if you flee political turmoil only to run back because you're not used to the cold. As my mother would say: 'Just put on a jumper, Ellen!' Abandon your American ideas about the weather.
DeGeneres and De Rossi aren't alone. Ever since Trump entered the political arena, Hollywood has resembled a revolving door of celebrities threatening to leave. But few have actually followed through. In 2016, Amy Schumer stated she would 'move to Spain or somewhere' if Trump won. Miley Cyrus also pulled the 'just joking' card, and Barbra Streisand has threatened to leave before both the 2016 and 2024 elections.
However, a handful of US celebrities have actually left and seem to have no plans to return. Courtney Love, who has lived in London since 2019, is planning to get British citizenship, citing the 'frightening' political situation in the US. Rosie O'Donnell relocated her family to Ireland, citing concerns for her non-binary child. She stated she would consider returning when 'all citizens have equal rights' in America.
It's easy to poke fun at celebrities who leave, especially since many are insulated by their wealth from the effects of Trumpism. But O'Donnell was probably sensible to leave. The comedian has been in a long-running feud with Trump and, earlier this year, the president said he was considering stripping her of her US citizenship.
And this is the part most people miss... There may not be a massive celebrity exodus, but the US does seem to be experiencing a brain drain because of Trump. A poll found that 75% of US researchers are considering leaving. Meanwhile, some experts in authoritarianism are also leaving. A video op-ed by three Yale professors for the New York Times read, 'We Study Fascism, and We’re Leaving the US'. A chilling message indeed.
What do you think? Are these celebrities justified in leaving? Or is it just the British weather getting to them? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
