Rosie O’Donnell Admits She Was Stunned When Ellen DeGeneres Also Fled Trumps’ America for the UK [WATCH]

Rosie O’Donnell is opening up about a surprising twist in the life of fellow comedian Ellen DeGeneres, revealing that she was genuinely “shocked” to learn that DeGeneres, like herself, had decided to leave the United States and move to the United Kingdom.

In a candid interview, O’Donnell spoke with Us Weekly about her own relocation to Ireland and how DeGeneres’ parallel move to England caught her off guard—especially given the political undertones many have associated with it.

O’Donnell, 63, moved to Ireland in January 2025, a decision she says was deeply personal and politically motivated. Meanwhile, DeGeneres quietly relocated to England just two months prior, in November 2024.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

The former Ellen DeGeneres Show host has yet to publicly explain her move, but the timing—shortly after Donald Trump won reelection—has led many to believe it was a response to the changing political climate in the U.S.

Rosie O’Donnell Confirms Move to Ireland, Will Return to U.S. ‘When It’s Safe for All Citizens to Have Equal Rights’ pic.twitter.com/YatkGbRdVN

— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) March 11, 2025

“I’ve never really known Ellen to say anything political in her life, so I was surprised to read that she left because of President Trump. Like, that shocked me, actually,” O’Donnell admitted.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“I’ve been a political person my whole life, not better or worse, it’s just a different way to be in the world.”

The surprise wasn’t simply because of DeGeneres’ relocation, but because of the stark contrast between the two women’s public personas.

O’Donnell has long been an outspoken political voice, never shying away from hot-button issues, while DeGeneres has generally maintained a more neutral tone in public discourse.

For O’Donnell, the motivations behind DeGeneres’ move remain a mystery, but she made it clear that her own departure from the U.S. was no secret.

“I was very clear about the reason why I was leaving, and I don’t think it came as a surprise to anyone,” she said.

Despite their shared profession and similar personal journeys, the relationship between O’Donnell and DeGeneres has been distant for years.

While rumors have long swirled about a feud between the two prominent gay comedians, O’Donnell provided some clarity on their current dynamic.

Nearly six months after Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi moved to the U.K., the comedian is sharing a rare glimpse into their life in England. https://t.co/fBhpLd7Lln pic.twitter.com/Q1uSH8W7e6

— E! News (@enews) April 22, 2025

“We’re not really in each other’s worlds, and it’s been kind of awkward but you know what?” she said. “I wish her the best. I wish that she has peace and love in her life and that she is OK.”

O’Donnell emphasized that, while they are not close, there’s no animosity on her part.

“I don’t want to fight against another gay woman,” she explained.

“It’s not like we’re tenaciously opposed to each other. We’re just very different people. We have had some stuff in the past that we never resolved. And not in any way as, as partners or lovers or anything like that, just as friends and comedians, but I wish her the best. I seriously do.”

She also noted the importance of solidarity among LGBTQ entertainers: “I think that there’s enough room in the world for all of the gay comedians, and we all need to stick together.”

The history between O’Donnell and DeGeneres traces back decades, to a time when their lives were more closely intertwined.

According to O’Donnell, the fallout began with an interview DeGeneres gave to Larry King in which she downplayed her relationship with O’Donnell. “Ellen wrote [in a text], ‘I’m really sorry and I don’t remember that,’”

O’Donnell recalled in a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

“It would never occur to me to say ‘I don’t know her’ about somebody whose babies I held when they were born. It wouldn’t be in my lexicon of choices to ever say.”

O’Donnell pointed out that she had supported DeGeneres during tough times but did not feel the support was mutual.

“When she was in a perplexing situation and people were saying things about her, I said, ‘Let me stand next to you and say that I’m Lebanese, too,’” she said.

“When it was a downward media time for me, she didn’t do anything.”

Despite their geographical proximity in their new home across the Atlantic, O’Donnell and DeGeneres remain emotionally distant.

There’s no suggestion the two will be reconnecting any time soon—“we won’t be exchanging Christmas cards,” as one might say—but O’Donnell seems content to let the past stay in the past.

With both women now living far from the political turmoil they each responded to in their own way, it remains to be seen whether life in the U.K. brings peace or a new chapter for either of them.

For now, Rosie O’Donnell has made her stance clear: no grudge, no feud—just two comedians on very different paths.

WATCH BELOW:

Rosie O’Donnell shares details of her strained relationship with Ellen DeGeneres pic.twitter.com/sKPNdinY7Z

— E! News (@enews) September 16, 2022

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.