Ellen DeGeneres Faces Backlash for Video Supporting Minneapolis Protesters

By Zoe Papadakis | Tuesday, January 20, 2026

This week, comedian and former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres sparked backlash after posting a video on Instagram supporting protesters in Minneapolis during recent demonstrations tied to immigration enforcement.

In the video, DeGeneres expressed sorrow over events unfolding in Minneapolis, stating: “I just wanted to say I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really, but specifically Minneapolis right now.” She highlighted that she filmed her 2024 Netflix comedy special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, there because the city has been described as “the happiest city in America,” adding: “I found that to be true.”

DeGeneres voiced support for demonstrators while emphasizing peaceful protest and expressing concern for those injured. “My thoughts and prayers are going out to everyone,” she said. “And I’m proud of everyone who’s protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting.”

The remarks drew immediate criticism online. One commenter wrote: “Ellen has no clue what’s going on out there.” Another quipped: “Our country???? Where does she live again?” A third criticized her comments as divisive: “Ellen, please stop spreading hatred. Stop trying to divide and destroy our country.”

DeGeneres and her husband, actor Portia de Rossi, relocated from the U.S. in 2024 after concluding their final American stand-up tour following the end of their long-running daytime talk show. The couple initially planned to split their time between the U.K. and U.S., but comments by DeGeneres last year suggested that plan changed after the presidential election.

During a July appearance at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre, she confirmed reports linking their move to President Donald Trump’s reelection were accurate. Asked if reports were true, she replied: “Yes,” according to the BBC. She described arriving in the U.K. one day before the election and learning of the result the following morning.

“We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in,’” DeGeneres said. “And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’”