Ellen DeGeneres, now living a quieter life in the English countryside, rarely comments publicly on U.S. events—but she recently broke her silence regarding the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
Good, 37, was shot in the head on January 7 by ICE officer Jonathan Ross shortly after dropping her six-year-old child at school. The tragedy has sparked outrage and protests across Minneapolis.
Ellen Shares Her Condolences
In a heartfelt Instagram video, DeGeneres addressed residents of Minneapolis and reflected on her personal connection to the city, noting that she filmed her 2024 Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, there.
“Hey everybody, I just want to say how sorry I am for what’s happening in Minneapolis and across the country,” she said.
“I filmed my special there, and the people couldn’t have been more kind. They say it’s the happiest city in America – and I experienced that firsthand.”
DeGeneres praised peaceful protesters and condemned any harm caused to those exercising their right to speak out:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone, especially those protesting peacefully. I’m so sorry to anyone hurt just for standing up and doing what’s right.”
She closed the message simply:
“Sending love to everyone affected.”
Remembering Renee Nicole Good
Alongside the video, DeGeneres posted a photo of Renee Good, amplifying a tribute originally written by Marianne Williamson. She added her own words:
“I’m so sad, so angry, and so worried.”
The post referenced a letter by Renee’s wife, Becca Good, describing Renee’s kind and radiant personality:
“If you ever met my wife, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, you’d know her kindness shone in everything she did. Renee sparkled—not literally with glitter, but her presence radiated warmth and light. Her family and I would both say the same: she was made of sunshine.”
Incident Footage Reveals Moments Before Shooting
Video released on January 9 by Alpha News shows the moments leading up to the shooting. Renee is seen in her SUV, while Becca films the encounter and addresses the officer filming:
“It’ll be the same plate when you come talk to us later. Go get yourself some lunch, big boy.”
Moments later, commands are shouted:
“Get out of the car. Get out of the car. Get out of the f—ing car.”
Renee attempts to drive while Becca urges her:
“Drive, baby, drive — drive!”
Multiple gunshots are heard, followed by a voice shouting a profanity. Bystander videos confirm that masked ICE officer Ross fired into Renee’s vehicle, causing it to crash.
Ellen Supports Protesters
In the wake of ongoing federal operations in Minneapolis, DeGeneres posted another video on January 19 expressing solidarity with those peacefully resisting federal enforcement, captioned:
“Hold on.”
Through her rare public statements, Ellen DeGeneres highlights her concern for justice and civil rights while shining a spotlight on the tragedy of Renee Nicole Good and the protests in Minneapolis.