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Ellen DeGeneres Laments Minneapolis Unrest, Sparking Mixed Reactions
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Comedian and former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres recently weighed in on the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis, expressing sorrow for the situation in a city she once fondly remembered as “the happiest in America.” Her comments, shared in a video, have garnered a range of responses from the public.
Daily protests have been a constant presence in Minneapolis and St. Paul throughout January.
These demonstrations intensified following the Department of Homeland Security’s increased immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, which saw the deployment of over 2,000 federal officers. The situation became more confrontational after the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7.
“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 stated in her video. She recalled her positive experience filming her last stand-up special in the city, noting, “Everybody there couldn’t have been more lovely.”
The comedian added, “I shot it there because they say it’s the happiest city in America. And I found that to be true.
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.”
DeGeneres’ post generated a wave of reactions online. While some users offered support and agreement, others criticized her decision to speak out.
“Love will always outweigh hate!” one user commented, while another added, “Wow, I agree with you on this even though we differ politically!
Peace through unity.” A Minnesotan expressed gratitude, saying, “As a Minnesotan, thank you.
It’s rough here.”
However, not all feedback was positive. Critics questioned DeGeneres’ understanding of the situation, with one user stating, “Ellen has no clue what’s going on out there.” Others suggested that immigrants should cooperate with immigration authorities, and some dismissed her opinion, referencing her departure from the U.S.
DeGeneres and her partner, Portia de Rossi, relocated to the English countryside after Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024. The couple had sold their Montecito home in August 2024. DeGeneres had previously shown support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race.
Since the conclusion of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in May 2022, after allegations of a toxic workplace environment, DeGeneres has largely remained out of the public eye. In her comedy special, “For Your Approval,” she quipped about being “kicked out of show business,” revealing she now spends her time gardening and raising chickens.
She candidly addressed the public perception, stating, “Yeah, the ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline.”
DeGeneres is not the only celebrity to voice concerns regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Bruce Springsteen reportedly called for ICE to “get the f— out” of Minneapolis during a recent concert and dedicated a song to Renee Good. “Wonder Woman” actress Lynda Carter shared an anti-ICE cartoon featuring her iconic character, and Rosie O’Donnell has spoken out against what she described as ICE being “out of control” in the U.S., questioning the militarization of the agency.