After reports that Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi have relocated to England following the U.S. presidential election, the bar for accountability in celebrity campaigning may have been set at a new high. Younger generations, who are increasingly savvy and quick to tune out at the first sign of inauthenticity, are demanding more than lip service from public figures. Now more than ever, celebrities will be expected to follow through on their statements, particularly in the high-stakes arenas of political and cultural discourse.
By examining Ellen and Portia’s actions alongside broader trends involving figures like King Charles, Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and the recent rise and fall of Matt Gaetz, we gain critical insight into what these choices mean for celebrity influence, brand credibility, and cultural movements.
Walking the Walk: Accountability in the Public Eye
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s reported move to the Cotswold’s in England positions them as outliers among celebrities who have declared their intent to leave the U.S. over political disagreements but failed to act. Their relocation is a bold move, signaling a deeper commitment to their personal values—one that will no doubt contribute to redefining expectations for celebrity involvement in politics.
Ellen’s career trajectory—from her roots as one of America’s beloved stand-up comedians to being the first openly gay person to host the 79th Academy Awards Presentation—has long been intertwined with themes of authenticity and accountability. Her initiatives, such as the BeKindToElephants campaign and her work with the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, reinforce her credibility as a figure who actively translates values into meaningful action. In fact, as I told Variety magazine in 2014, Ellen DeGeneres had a greater impact on shaping Americans’ views on gay rights than any other celebrity or public figure.
This level of commitment serves as a powerful reminder to brands: aligning with influencers whose actions consistently match their words fosters stronger audience connections and long-term loyalty. For example, Kim Kardashian’s beauty campaigns seamlessly align with her personal brand of glamor, self-expression, and empowerment, reinforcing her authenticity. Similarly, Leonardo DiCaprio’s unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy perfectly reflects his public persona, with his partnerships and foundations authentically supporting the causes he champions. These examples demonstrate how aligning actions with values—at a much deeper and consistent level—is becoming a necessity in enhancing credibility and building audience trust and engagement.
The Waning Influence of Celebrity Endorsements
The 2024 election season was marked by a deluge of celebrity endorsements, with A-listers like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry lending their support to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Despite these efforts, the limited impact on voter turnout—particularly amongst their own target audiences—underscores a growing skepticism toward celebrity influence in politics and beyond, as demonstrated during Trump’s presidential election victory.
This trend of a lack of celebrity influence in politics is not new. We saw a similar dynamic during the 2016 presidential election when a slew of celebrities rallied behind Hillary Clinton but failed to significantly sway public opinion. Should we be surprised? Perhaps not. Pew Research studies have long highlighted the public’s indifference to celebrity endorsements. For instance, in 2008, nearly 70% of respondents said Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement wouldn’t affect their vote. A 2015 Newsweek study found that celebrity endorsements often have a net negative impact on public opinion. These findings suggest a deepening resistance to superficial celebrity-driven persuasion, with audiences increasingly gravitating toward value-driven, authentic connections.
Ellen DeGeneres’s efforts—such as her BeKindToElephants campaign and broader environmental advocacy—provide a counterexample, offering a blueprint for meaningful engagement. Even personal moments like “Portia Surprises Ellen,” where Portia de Rossi renewed their vows during her 50th birthday celebration, demonstrate the importance of aligning personal and public values. For brands, this highlights the need to transcend performative activism by partnering with ambassadors who prioritize shared missions.
Authenticity in a Politically Charged Environment
Ellen DeGeneres’s brand, long associated with inclusivity and positivity, has consistently broken new ground. As the first openly gay person to host the 79th Academy Awards Presentation, she became a pioneer in reshaping public perceptions of LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment. However, her brand faced significant challenges in 2020 when allegations of workplace harassment and a toxic work environment surfaced, bringing her into widespread scrutiny.
While her brand remains under close observation in today’s hyper-politicized climate, her decision to move to the UK—reportedly driven by dissatisfaction with U.S. politics—highlights the intricate balance public figures must maintain between personal convictions and their carefully cultivated public personas.
Could a move this drastic—essentially putting her money where her mouth is—lead to the resurrection of the Ellen DeGeneres brand? I’d say this bold action has the potential to signal to audiences that she is serious about aligning her public and private lives. It could also be considered a pioneering move, giving DeGeneres first-mover advantage in redefining celebrity activism. By taking a step that few high-profile figures, including Miley Cyrus, Cher, and Sharon Stone, have followed through on, Ellen may be positioning herself to stand out in a crowded and often cynical celebrity landscape.
The Broader Implications
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s move, coupled with broader trends in celebrity activism, signals a cultural shift. Categories like “American stand-up comedians,” “20th-century American LGBTQ people,” and “American women television hosts” are no longer mere descriptors—they represent evolving cultural, political, and social narratives.
The undeniable waning influence of ‘traditional’ celebrity endorsements—especially within the world of politics—and the rising demand for accountability and authenticity and people putting their money where their mouth is, means public figures must adapt to remain relevant. For brands, the lessons are clear and come in threes: accountability matters because actions speak louder than words. Authenticity is essential, as transparent and consistent values are the foundation of trust. Influence requires responsibility, as thoughtful and genuine engagement resonates far more deeply than fleeting endorsements.
I believe Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s journey illustrates the changing face of celebrity influence in today’s world. As I emphasize in my book, The Kim Kardashian Principle, by aligning with authentic causes, embracing accountability, and demonstrating the courage of your convictions, celebrities will exemplify the evolving role of public figures in shaping political and cultural narratives. And I’ll go as far as to say, this is more than just a celebrity exodus—it’s a first of many indicators that will mark the redefinition of influence and a new standard for navigating the intersections of activism, branding, and authenticity in the 21st century.
Named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, international speaker and the author of the New York Times bestselling sensation, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)