INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi attend Super Bowl LVI … [+] at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Getty Images for Roc Nation
Reports circulated suggesting that Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi had moved to England following a contentious U.S. presidential election. This sparked a significant conversation about celebrity accountability in the modern era of political campaigning. As younger, more discerning audiences increasingly demand authenticity from public figures, the actions of celebrities are under greater scrutiny than ever before. This move by DeGeneres, whether directly linked to political motivations or not, has become a focal point in understanding the evolving relationship between celebrity influence, personal values, and public perception. Examining this situation, alongside other examples such as King Charles, Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and the contrasting case of Matt Gaetz, provides valuable insights into what these choices signify for celebrity influence, brand credibility, and broader cultural trends.
Walking the Walk: Ellen DeGeneres and Public Accountability
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s reported relocation to the Cotswolds in England sets them apart from many celebrities who have publicly declared intentions to leave the U.S. due to political disagreements but ultimately remained. Their apparent move represents a significant commitment to their stated values, establishing a new benchmark for celebrity engagement in political discourse. This action forces a re-evaluation of what is expected from public figures when they take a stand on socio-political issues.
Ellen’s career has always been deeply connected to themes of authenticity and accountability. From her early days as a stand-up comedian to her groundbreaking role as the first openly gay host of the 79th Academy Awards, DeGeneres has cultivated a public image grounded in sincerity. Her various initiatives, such as the BeKindToElephants campaign and her dedication to the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, have further solidified her reputation as someone who actively practices what she preaches. As noted in Variety in 2014, her impact on shaping American public opinion on gay rights surpassed that of any other celebrity or public figure.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – MARCH 02: HANDOUT – EDITORIAL USE ONLY – In this handout photo provided by Ellen … [+] DeGeneres, host Ellen DeGeneres poses for a selfie taken by Bradley Cooper with (clockwise from L-R) Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Peter Nyong’o Jr. and Bradley Cooper during the 86th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo credit Ellen DeGeneres/Twitter via Getty Images)
Getty Images
This level of commitment underscores a vital lesson for brands: partnering with influencers whose actions consistently reflect their words builds stronger connections with audiences and fosters lasting loyalty. Consider Kim Kardashian, whose beauty campaigns seamlessly align with her personal brand of glamour, self-expression, and empowerment, thereby enhancing her perceived authenticity. Similarly, Leonardo DiCaprio’s consistent environmental advocacy genuinely reflects his public persona, with his partnerships and foundations authentically supporting environmental causes. These examples illustrate the growing necessity for celebrities and influencers to deeply align their actions with their stated values to enhance credibility, build audience trust, and encourage meaningful engagement.
The Diminishing Power of Celebrity Endorsements in Politics
The 2024 election cycle witnessed a surge of celebrity endorsements, with prominent figures like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. However, the limited impact these endorsements had on voter turnout, particularly among their target demographics, highlights a growing skepticism towards celebrity influence, especially in politics. This trend was also evident during Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, despite numerous celebrity endorsements for his opponent.
TOPSHOT – US singer-songwriter Beyonce speaks during a campaign rally for US Vice President and … [+] Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, on October 25, 2024. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
This decline in celebrity influence is not a recent phenomenon. The 2016 presidential election also saw a vast array of celebrities supporting Hillary Clinton, yet their endorsements failed to significantly sway public opinion. Pew Research studies have long indicated public indifference to celebrity endorsements. For instance, a 2008 study revealed that nearly 70% of respondents stated that Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement would not influence their vote. A 2015 Newsweek study further suggested that celebrity endorsements often have a negative impact on public opinion. These findings point towards an increasing public resistance to superficial, celebrity-driven persuasion, with audiences increasingly valuing authentic connections rooted in shared values rather than fleeting endorsements.
In contrast, Ellen DeGeneres’s consistent engagement with causes like the BeKindToElephants campaign and her broader environmental advocacy provides a compelling counter-narrative. Even personal gestures, such as Portia de Rossi’s renewal of their vows as a surprise for Ellen’s 50th birthday, demonstrate the importance of aligning personal and public values. For brands and public figures alike, the key takeaway is to move beyond performative activism and instead cultivate partnerships with ambassadors who are genuinely committed to shared missions and values.
Authenticity and Brand Resilience in a Politically Charged Climate
Ellen DeGeneres’s brand, traditionally associated with inclusivity and positivity, has consistently pushed boundaries. Her role as the first openly gay person to host the Academy Awards was a landmark moment, significantly impacting LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream entertainment. However, in 2020, her brand faced a significant crisis when allegations of workplace harassment and a toxic work environment emerged, leading to widespread criticism and scrutiny.
In today’s highly politicized environment, where public figures are constantly under observation, Ellen’s decision to reportedly move to the UK, driven by dissatisfaction with the U.S. political climate, underscores the delicate balance celebrities must maintain between personal beliefs and their carefully constructed public personas. This move raises the question: could such a drastic action, essentially “walking the walk,” revitalize the Ellen DeGeneres brand?
It can be argued that this bold move signals to audiences a genuine commitment to aligning her public and private lives. It might also be viewed as a pioneering step, giving DeGeneres a unique advantage in redefining celebrity activism. By taking a step that few other high-profile figures, despite similar pronouncements, have followed through on, Ellen could be positioning herself to stand out in an often cynical and crowded celebrity landscape.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MARCH 21: Comedian Ellen DeGeneres attends the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards … [+] at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 21, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Broader Implications for Celebrity Influence in the 21st Century
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s move, combined with broader trends in celebrity activism and public perception, indicates a significant cultural shift. Categories like “American stand-up comedians,” “20th-century American LGBTQ people,” and “American women television hosts” are no longer just descriptive labels; they represent evolving cultural, political, and social narratives.
The undeniable decline in the influence of traditional celebrity endorsements, particularly in politics, coupled with an increasing demand for accountability and authenticity, necessitates a significant adaptation for public figures seeking to remain relevant. For brands, the lessons are threefold: accountability is paramount because actions are more impactful than words; authenticity is essential as transparent and consistent values build trust; and influence demands responsibility, as genuine and thoughtful engagement resonates far more deeply than superficial endorsements.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 07: TV personality Ellen DeGeneres (L) and actress Portia de Rossi … [+] attend The 41st Annual People’s Choice Awards at Nokia Theatre LA Live on January 7, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for The People’s Choice Awards)
getty
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of celebrity influence. As emphasized in The Kim Kardashian Principle, aligning with authentic causes, embracing accountability, and demonstrating the courage of one’s convictions are crucial for celebrities to effectively shape political and cultural narratives. This reported move is more than just a celebrity relocation; it is a significant indicator of a broader redefinition of influence and a new standard for navigating the complex intersections of activism, branding, and authenticity in the 21st century.
Jeetendr Sehdev, named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, is a media personality, international speaker, and the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)
