A woman has filed a lawsuit accusing former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres of causing a car crash in Santa Barbara County in October 2023 by striking her vehicle at a four-way stop, according to a complaint obtained by Fox News Digital.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County court, says the plaintiff was the restrained driver of a Tesla traveling north on Evans Avenue near the intersection of Ortega Hill Road on Oct. 16, 2023. It states the intersection is controlled by stop signs in all directions, that the plaintiff stopped for her sign and proceeded only after ensuring the way was clear, and that DeGeneres then entered the intersection "without stopping at the stop sign," striking the plaintiff’s vehicle from the right and causing injuries.
The suit alleges DeGeneres’ "negligent conduct fell below the standard of care of a reasonable person" and that defendants were a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff’s "multiple serious personal injuries and damages" including wage loss, hospital and medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress and anxiety. The complaint also seeks interest allowed by law.
The plaintiff's attorney contends the collision resulted from the defendant's failure to stop at the intersection. Representatives for DeGeneres did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
The complaint revives public scrutiny of DeGeneres after renewed allegations about her conduct toward staff during her long-running daytime show. In recent months, a former cameraman and other former employees accused the production of fostering a hostile workplace, saying staffers lived in fear and that DeGeneres could be cold toward male employees. Some former staff members described an intimidating look they called the "Ellen gaze." Those accounts followed broader criticism in 2020, when several ex-employees accused the show of racism, intimidation and retaliation; DeGeneres issued an on-air apology at that time.
DeGeneres, 67, and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, have since relocated to the United Kingdom. Media reports have linked that move to DeGeneres’ public statements about U.S. politics and her future plans. The lawsuit does not appear to reference those workplace allegations or the move.
The case will proceed through the civil court system, where the plaintiff will need to prove negligence and causation to recover damages. The complaint lists specific economic and non-economic losses the plaintiff attributes to the incident. Further developments, including any response from DeGeneres or her legal representatives and the scheduling of court proceedings, were not immediately available.