My Brexit Journey: How Trump Fueled My Move to the UK

Ellen DeGeneres Reflects on “mean” Reputation and Future in Candid Conversation

BREAKING NEWS: In a candid reflection, Ellen DeGeneres has opened up about the “toxic workplace” allegations that marred the final seasons of her iconic talk show, and the persistent media label of “mean” that followed her. Speaking during her 2024 tour and accompanying Netflix stand-up special, DeGeneres addressed the controversy head-on, grappling with the public perception that contrasted sharply with her show’s signature sign-off, “be kind to one another.”

The fallout from the allegations saw three producers dismissed amid serious claims of misconduct and sexual harassment, prompting an on-air apology from DeGeneres at the start of her show’s final season. DeGeneres admitted her struggle to address the situation without appearing to play the victim. “No matter what, any article that came up, it was like, ‘She’s mean’,” she stated, questioning the perception. “It’s like,how do I deal with this without sounding like a victim or ‘poor me’ or complaining? But I wanted to address it.”

She further articulated her frustration with the societal expectation placed on women. “It’s as simple as, I’m a direct person, and I’m very blunt, and I guess sometimes that means that… I’m mean?” DeGeneres mused, adding it was “kind of crazy” that being called “mean” could be the most damaging criticism leveled against a woman. “How dare us have any kind of mood, or you can’t be anything other than nice and sweet and kind and submissive and complacent.”

Despite her efforts, DeGeneres expressed a deep hurt and a sense of resignation regarding the lasting impact of the “mean” label. “I don’t think I can say anything that’s ever going to get rid of that [reputation] or dispel it, which is hurtful to me. I hate it,” she confessed. “I hate that people think that I’m that because I know who I am and I know that I’m an empathetic, compassionate person.” She characterized the end of her talk show in such a manner as “certainly an unpleasant way to end.”

Looking ahead, DeGeneres revealed she misses many aspects of her talk show but believes a similar format may no longer resonate in today’s media landscape. “I mean, I wish it did, because I would do the same thing here. I would love to do that again,” she explained, citing the shift in audience viewing habits towards mobile devices and the overwhelming volume of content.

While her future professional plans remain uncertain, DeGeneres indicated a desire to move forward thoughtfully.”I just don’t know what that is yet,” she said.”I want to have fun, I want to do something. I do like my chickens but I’m a little bit bored.” The star expressed a potential interest in a British talk show, though she acknowledges the changing media surroundings makes a direct replication of her previous success unlikely. The seasoned performer is poised to carefully select her next endeavor.

Evergreen Insights:

the Power of perception vs. Reality: Ellen DeGeneres’ situation highlights the notable chasm that can exist between public perception, often shaped by media narratives and social media trends, and an individual’s self-awareness and personal values. This serves as a reminder to critically evaluate information and avoid hasty judgments.
Navigating Workplace Culture and Accountability: The allegations surrounding DeGeneres’ show underscore the critical importance of fostering positive and respectful workplace environments. Accountability for leadership and the well-being of employees are paramount, nonetheless of outward public persona.
Evolution of Media Consumption: DeGeneres’ commentary on changing viewing habits points to the ongoing transformation of the media industry. Traditional broadcast models face challenges from digital platforms and the fragmented attention spans of modern audiences, necessitating adaptability from creators.
The Gendered Nature of Criticism: DeGeneres’ observation about the particular sting of being called “mean” as a woman resonates with broader societal discussions about the double standards often applied to women in public life,particularly regarding assertiveness and emotional expression. It prompts reflection on how we expect women to behave and the limitations these expectations can impose.* Resilience and Reinvention: Even after facing significant public scrutiny and the end of a long-running career milestone,DeGeneres’ desire to find new avenues for her talents and experiences speaks to the human capacity for resilience and reinvention. The pursuit of new passions, even after professional setbacks, is a timeless pursuit.

What specific economic implications of Brexit initially concerned you regarding your work in international marketing?

The Political Climate & Initial concerns (2016-2017)

As an American citizen with strong ties to Europe, the 2016 US Presidential election and the 2016 Brexit referendum created a period of intense uncertainty. While seemingly disparate events, they were, for me, intrinsically linked. The rise of populist nationalism in both countries felt like a seismic shift, and not a positive one. Initially, my concerns centered around the economic implications of Brexit for my work in international marketing. I frequently collaborated with businesses across the EU, and the potential disruption to trade and regulations was significant.

The election of Donald Trump amplified these anxieties. His “America First” policies,coupled with rhetoric questioning long-standing alliances,felt like a direct threat to the globalized world I operated in. I began seriously considering a “Plan B” – and that Plan B increasingly looked like relocating to the UK.

Why the UK Specifically? Beyond Brexit Concerns

The UK wasn’t my first choice initially. I’d lived in France and Germany previously, but several factors pushed the UK to the forefront:

Language: As a native English speaker, the language barrier wasn’t a concern. This simplified the logistical and professional aspects of relocation.

Cultural Affinity: Despite the differences, American and British cultures share a significant overlap, making the transition feel less jarring than moving to a country with vastly different social norms.

Professional Opportunities: London, in particular, remained a global hub for marketing and advertising, even after the Brexit vote. The city’s resilience was encouraging.

Visa Options: While Brexit complex matters, the UK still offered viable visa routes for skilled workers, somthing I actively researched. The Skilled Worker visa became a key focus.

The Four Nations: Understanding the composition of the UK – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – was crucial. (Government.nl, 2025). This diversity offered potential for exploring different regions and lifestyles.

Navigating the Post-Brexit Immigration Landscape

The period between the referendum and my actual move (early 2019) was dominated by uncertainty surrounding immigration rules.The initial promises of a streamlined system felt increasingly distant as the details of the new regulations emerged.

Here’s a breakdown of the challenges I faced:

1. Changing Requirements: The criteria for skilled worker visas were constantly being revised, requiring me to stay updated on the latest government announcements.
2. Sponsorship: Finding a UK company willing to sponsor my visa was a major hurdle. Manny businesses were hesitant due to the complexities and costs involved.
3. Financial Proof: Demonstrating sufficient funds to support myself while seeking employment was another requirement, adding to the financial burden of the move.
4. Documentation: The sheer volume of paperwork and the need for certified translations were time-consuming and frustrating.

I utilized resources like the UK Visas and Immigration website extensively, and consulted with an immigration lawyer to ensure my application was compliant. This added expense was worthwhile for peace of mind.

The Trump factor: A Catalyst for Action

While Brexit created the need for a Plan B,the political climate in the US under Trump accelerated my timeline.The constant barrage of divisive rhetoric, the attacks on the media, and the erosion of democratic norms felt deeply unsettling. It wasn’t just about policy; it was about values.

I felt a growing sense of alienation and a desire to live in a society that prioritized inclusivity,international cooperation,and evidence-based decision-making. The UK, despite its own challenges, felt like a more stable and welcoming environment. The perceived stability, even amidst Brexit negotiations, was a significant draw.

Life in the UK Post-Relocation: Realities and Reflections

Moving to the UK wasn’t a fairytale. There were adjustments to be made – from navigating the National Health Service (NHS) to understanding the nuances of British humor.The cost of living in London is notoriously high, and finding affordable housing was a challenge.

Though, the benefits have outweighed the difficulties:

Professional Growth: I’ve found the UK marketing industry to be dynamic and innovative.

Cultural Enrichment: Exploring the UK’s rich history and diverse culture has been incredibly rewarding.

Travel Opportunities: The UK’s location makes it easy to travel to othre European countries.

* A Sense of Belonging: I’ve been welcomed by a diverse and open-minded community.

Brexit’s Ongoing Impact & Future Outlook

Brexit continues to shape the UK’s political and economic landscape. While the initial shockwaves have subsided, the long-term consequences are still unfolding. The northern Ireland Protocol remains a contentious issue, and trade friction with the EU persists.

Despite these challenges, the UK remains a vibrant and resilient nation. My decision to move here, initially fueled by concerns about Brexit and the Trump presidency, has proven to be a positive one. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most challenging times can lead to unexpected opportunities.