Ellen DeGeneres slammed for supporting Minneapolis protests: 'She should apologize'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Ellen DeGeneres has come under renewed criticism after weighing in on the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis.

The comedian addressed the situation as daily protests continued throughout January, following a sharp increase in immigration enforcement across the Twin Cities.

The Department of Homeland Security deployed more than 2,000 federal officers to Minneapolis and St. Paul, triggering widespread demonstrations. Tensions escalated further after the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7.

Against that backdrop, DeGeneres shared a video expressing sympathy for Minneapolis and its residents. 

DeGeneres slammed for supporting Minneapolis protesters 

“I just wanted to say I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really, but specifically Minneapolis right now,” DeGeneres said in the video. “Because it's where I shot my last stand-up special, and everybody there couldn't have been more lovely.”

She explained that the city holds personal significance for her. 

“I shot it there because they say it's the happiest city in America. And I found that to be true,” she added. “So my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone. And I'm proud of everyone who's protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing.”

Her comments quickly drew backlash on social media, with critics accusing her of hypocrisy and political grandstanding.

"Protesting 'as they should' while DeGenerate flees to another country..." one critic posted on X.

"Ellen wants illegals to take over America. That’s what she’s saying here," another offered.

"Alas....and we thought the lil elf moving out of the US meant we don't have to see OR hear her inner thoughts any longer...." someone else remarked.

"She should apologize. For inflicting her views on rational and moral Americans. At least we don’t have to listen," a comment read.

"From America: No one cares what you say, DeGeneres! Thank you for your attention to this matter!" another quipped.

Life away from Hollywood 

DeGeneres has largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight. Following Donald Trump’s victory in November 2024, she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated from the US to the United Kingdom.

The couple sold their Montecito, California, home in August 2024.  

DeGeneres had previously supported Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign and shared Taylor Swift’s endorsement on social media.

Since the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022, the former daytime TV host has kept a relatively low profile. The show concluded after 10 seasons amid allegations of a toxic workplace culture.

Life after daytime TV

DeGeneres addressed her post-talk-show life in her stand-up special, “For Your Approval,” where she spoke candidly about her career fallout.

“I decided to take up gardening,” DeGeneres said. “I got chickens. Let me see what else I can tell you about what’s been going on. . . . Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business. . . . Yeah, the ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline.”

“Had I ended my show by saying, ‘Go f--- yourselves,’ people would have been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind,” the comedian added.

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