11 American Celebrities Who Left the US for Political, Privacy, or Personal Reasons

Many individuals dream of moving to Los Angeles in hopes of achieving fame in Hollywood. However, once they've made it, some celebrities decide to leave the cityor even the country. Below are 11 American stars who moved abroad and the reasons behind their decision:

1. Eva Longoria

In 2024, Eva Longoria shared with Marie Claire that she and her family have been dividing their time between Spain and Mexico for several years. Spain is where she often works, and Mexico is her husband Jos Bastn's homeland. Longoria explained that even before the pandemic, she had been feeling a shift in California's vibe. The pandemic intensified these feelings. "Whether it's the homelessness or the taxes, California just doesn't feel the same," she remarked, adding that her decision to move was not politically motivated but rather work-related. She also expressed concern for Americans stuck in the country.

2. Britney Spears

In a 2024 Instagram video, Britney Spears revealed that she moved to Mexico to escape the "extremely mean and cruel" treatment she received from paparazzi. She described how the paparazzi's depiction of her in photos, particularly one that made her look like she was wearing a white mask, deeply hurt her.

3. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan and her family moved to Dubai in 2014. The actress chose the UAE partly because paparazzi are prohibited there. In 2024, Lohan told Flaunt that her daily routine in Dubai is very similar to what she would do in Los Angeles, though the time zone difference affects her work schedule.

4. Ellen DeGeneres

In 2024, it was reported that Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated to the Cotswolds in the UK. The couple made the move following the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

5. Lily Collins

In 2023, Lily Collins and her husband, Charlie McDowell, moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. The couple had honeymooned there in 2021, and they co-own the media production and real estate company Case Study Copenhagen.

6. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson has been living in London since 2016. After her 2017 divorce from Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana, who resides in London, she chose to stay in the city to co-parent their son.

7. Richard Gere

In April 2024, Richard Gere revealed plans to move to Spain with his family later that year. His wife, Alejandra Silva, hails from Spain, and Gere expressed excitement about experiencing a new lifestyle and being closer to her family and culture. He also shared his admiration for Spain's culture, food, and people.

8. Tina Turner

Tina Turner moved to Switzerland in 1995 with her then-boyfriend (and later husband) Erwin Bach. Turner explained her decision in a 1997 interview with CNN, saying that her success was more prominent in Europe, and she wanted to live in Switzerland to be closer to Bach, who was working there. In 2013, Turner became a Swiss citizen after marrying Bach.

9. George Clooney

In 2021, George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, relocated to Brignoles, Provence, France, with their children. The couple sought a quieter, more peaceful life, raising their kids primarily in France.

10. Christina Milian

Christina Milian and her family moved to France in 2023, where her husband, Matt Pokora, is from. Milian shared on The Jennifer Hudson Show that they had been commuting between the U.S. and France for several years before finally settling in France, where their children would go to school.

11. Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett and his wife, Tamsin Egerton, lived between the U.S. and the U.K. for years. During the COVID-19 lockdown, they chose to stay in the U.K., and later decided to remain in Hampshire for good as they were expecting their third child. Hartnett explained that life in Hampshire is much more relaxed compared to cities like NYC or L.A., where people are overly focused on careers.

If you could relocate to any country, where would you choose? Let us know in the comments below!