DeGeneres' Lawyers Fight Lawsuit Over Alleged 2023 Crash

Ellen DeGeneres' legal representatives are challenging a lawsuit that alleges the television host was involved in a car crash in October 2023. Court documents filed in Los Angeles indicate that DeGeneres' attorneys have filed a motion to quash service of summons. This motion stems from the plaintiff's claims of three failed attempts to serve legal documents to DeGeneres between January 5 and 7, 2026.

DeGeneres' lawyers contend that these service attempts were invalid because the documents were delivered to a business management firm, NKSFB, LLC, rather than directly to the host. Documents filed on December 23, 2025, acknowledge that papers were dropped off at a division of NKSFB. However, a partner at Neuman + Associates clarified that the firm is neither DeGeneres' home nor usual place of business, and she was not present during the drop-off.

The plaintiff is suing for general negligence, claiming the incident on October 16, 2023, in Santa Barbara County resulted in property damage and personal injury. Allegations include DeGeneres failing to stop at a stop sign and colliding with the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff is seeking unspecified compensatory damages for various losses, including medical expenses and emotional distress.

This legal challenge unfolds as DeGeneres is reportedly living in the English countryside with her wife, Portia de Rossi, having sold their California home in the fall of 2024. The couple's relocation was reportedly influenced by a desire to avoid the political climate in the United States. They have since purchased and relocated to a larger property in the UK.