Portia de Rossi wants time apart from Ellen DeGeneres, says source

Portia de Rossi reportedly felt suffocated in her marriage to Ellen DeGeneres and asked for space to regain independence
PUBLISHED OCT 3, 2025
Portia de Rossi reportedly struggled with Ellen DeGeneres’ constant micromanaging (Getty Images)
Portia de Rossi reportedly struggled with Ellen DeGeneres’ constant micromanaging (Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Comedian Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi recently celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary in August 2025.

However, fresh reports suggest their marriage may be facing challenges.

On September 27, 2025, sources told RadarOnline that de Rossi was seeking breathing room from the talk show host, citing feelings of being “suffocated” by DeGeneres’ need to micromanage.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi attend the unveiling of RH England, The Gallery at the Historic Aynho Park, marking the brand’s international launch with a first of its kind design & hospitality destination, on June 3, 2023 in Banbury, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for RH)
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi attended RH England, The Gallery opening in Banbury, England (Dave Benett/Getty Images for RH)

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi marriage timeline

DeGeneres and de Rossi married in 2008 after several years of dating, becoming one of Hollywood’s most high-profile same-sex couples.

Their union has often been described as solid, with both women publicly expressing affection and support for each other.

The pair relocated to the United Kingdom in 2024, following DeGeneres’ exit from 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' in 2022. The move was seen as a fresh start, but sources now suggest the transition has added new stress to their marriage.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi attend the 62nd Annu
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi attended the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (Getty Images)

Why Portia de Rossi wants time apart

An insider revealed that while Portia “loves Ellen dearly, she feels totally suffocated much of the time, because every aspect of her life is constantly micromanaged.”

According to the source, even simple activities such as going for a jog or a horse ride were “met with a dozen questions.”

The insider added, “Ellen hates going anywhere by herself, so Portia’s always on the hook to be by her side.”

While DeGeneres’ protectiveness was considered “sweet to a certain extent,” the source emphasized that de Rossi began feeling “constantly suppressed.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres attend the 62nd Annual GRA
Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres walked the red carpet at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (Getty Images)

Breaking point for Portia de Rossi

De Rossi, 52, reportedly began putting her foot down and insisting on more independence.

The source told RadarOnline, “Portia wants to break out and do her own thing and she’s constantly suppressed.”

The situation reportedly reached a point where de Rossi was “seriously considering some time apart to clear her head and get her life back.”\

The source warned that unless DeGeneres made changes, “it may well just drive Portia out the door permanently.”

A screenshot of Ellen DeGeneres from her Netflix special 'Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval' (Cover Image Source: YouTube | Netflix)
Ellen DeGeneres appeared in her Netflix special ‘Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval’ (Netflix)

Future of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

Neither DeGeneres nor de Rossi has publicly addressed the claims. Still, the insider suggested that the request for space was not about a lack of love but about maintaining balance.

“Ellen is extremely protective of Portia, which can be sweet, but Portia felt like she couldn’t go on like this,” the source explained.

Fans of the couple reportedly took to social media, expressing concern over the reports.

Many hoped the longtime pair would navigate this rough patch and preserve their marriage.

At a time when both women were transitioning into a new chapter away from the Hollywood spotlight, their relationship dynamics were under scrutiny.

Whether they chose to take time apart or work through their issues together, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi remained one of entertainment’s most closely watched couples.

MORE STORIES

Diddy's pal Charlucci Finney described the incident as an intimidation attempt, warning of the continued risk to the rapper in jail
8 hours ago
Both comedians shared the same manager, who was about to finalize Jon Stewart’s deal when ABC executives shifted their decision
8 hours ago
Speaking on the podcast with Ted Danson, Jimmy Kimmel described feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, saying he didn’t know what he was doing
10 hours ago
Oprah Winfrey's glamorous appearance followed her 50-pound Ozempic-assisted weight loss
11 hours ago
Shakira called the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show 'long overdue,' saying, 'It’s about time!'
1 day ago
Kevin Federline says Britney Spears drunkenly called him with Sean Preston and Jayden James crying in the background, prompting their split
1 day ago
John Stamos recounted that he had tried to support Lori Loughlin during both her divorce and the college scandal
2 days ago
Gayle King surprised followers by sharing a selfie with her media rival, Jesse Watters, after the two were seated next to each other on a flight
2 days ago
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may include Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, on their wedding guest list, sources say
3 days ago
The heartache comes on the heels of Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22
3 days ago