FACT CHECK: Was Ellen DeGeneres’ UK House Flooded?

Claim:
Ellen DeGeneres’ farmhouse in the Cotswolds, UK, was flooded after recent heavy rains from Storm Bert.

Verdict:
False.

The Claim:
A report from The Daily Mail claimed that Ellen DeGeneres’ and Portia de Rossi’s newly purchased farmhouse in the Cotswolds was flooded following Storm Bert, which brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region. The article described how floodwaters from a tributary of the River Thames swamped the couple’s 43-acre property, leaving them “marooned” after moving in just days before the storm. The story suggested that the couple was left at the mercy of the torrential floodwaters. The claims were widely circulated in other outlets, including TMZ.

Fact-Check Analysis:
To verify the claim, Ellen DeGeneres directly addressed the report through her Instagram account. In a post celebrating her 20-year anniversary with Portia de Rossi, DeGeneres stated that their farmhouse did not flood. She clarified, “For those of you concerned, our UK farmhouse did NOT flood.”

1. Official Statements or Evidence:
   DeGeneres’ public denial on Instagram effectively disproves the claim. There has been no official confirmation or other evidence supporting the claim that the couple’s property was affected by the storm.
2. Additional Findings:
   While it is true that other areas of the Cotswolds were impacted by flooding, there is no credible evidence to suggest that DeGeneres and de Rossi’s property was among them. The Daily Mail’s dramatic description of floodwaters engulfing their estate does not align with DeGeneres’ clarification on social media. No further reports or images have surfaced to confirm the flooding of their home.

Context:
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi moved to the UK after DeGeneres expressed disillusionment with the results of the 2016 US presidential election. Despite the initial storm reports, DeGeneres’ own denial contradicts the media coverage, suggesting that the flood claims were exaggerated or incorrect.

Conclusion:
The claim that Ellen DeGeneres’ UK farmhouse was flooded during Storm Bert is false. While other areas of the Cotswolds experienced flooding, DeGeneres and de Rossi’s home was unaffected. The original reports, including those from The Daily Mail, were based on inaccurate information. DeGeneres has publicly clarified the situation, confirming that their property did not flood.

Verdict: False.