Ellen DeGeneres is facing a negligence lawsuit tied to a 2023 traffic collision in Santa Barbara County.
Court documents accuse the former talk show host of running a stop sign and striking another driver.
Alleged Crash Details
The complaint says the crash happened on October 16, 2023.
It occurred at the four-way stop intersection of Evans Avenue and Ortega Hill Road.
The plaintiff was driving a Tesla northbound and had fully stopped.
She claims she confirmed the intersection was clear before proceeding.
Suddenly, her vehicle was “t-boned” on the right side by DeGeneres.
The filing alleges DeGeneres failed to stop at her stop sign.
Injuries and Damages
The plaintiff claims she suffered serious personal injuries.
She is seeking damages for hospital and medical expenses.
The lawsuit also requests compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity.
Her complaint cites emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Her attorney said DeGeneres’s actions fell below the standard of care.
Allegations of Negligence
The complaint calls DeGeneres’s driving “negligent conduct.”
It argues her actions directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
The lawsuit claims DeGeneres was a substantial factor in the crash.
It accuses her of violating her duty to operate her vehicle safely.
The plaintiff is demanding compensation for both physical and emotional harm.
Workplace Controversy Resurfaces
The lawsuit comes amid renewed criticism of DeGeneres’s past behavior.
A former cameraman recently accused her of running a hostile workplace.
Crew members described a culture of intimidation on her long-running show.
Employees alleged she disliked male staff and grew cold when they spoke with Portia de Rossi.
Ex-workers recalled the so-called “Ellen gaze” that terrified employees.
DeGeneres faced a major backlash in 2020 over similar allegations.
She publicly apologized on-air, claiming she had been unaware of the toxic culture.
Her wife, Portia de Rossi, was described by crew as approachable and kind.
DeGeneres, now 67, has since moved with de Rossi to the United Kingdom.
She cited President Trump’s 2024 re-election as the reason for relocating.
