Actress Portia de Rossi |
The biggest lesbian names in Hollywood may play out their next roles in front of a real-life judge as the latest breakup of Ellen DeGeneres could be headed for a showdown in court.
The Sunday Times of London reports DeGeneres' former girlfriend is considering legal action against both the comedian and her new lover, "Ally McBeal" actress Portia de Rossi, "in a case that could redraw the boundaries of romantic strife in America."
The paper says 35-year-old Alexandra Hedison was reportedly shocked when DeGeneres, 46, asked her to leave the home the couple had shared in Los Angeles for the past four years. De Rossi, 31, moved in shortly before Christmas.
Alexandra, daughter of soap-opera actor David Hedison, is now said to be getting legal advice from the L.A. law firm of Trope and Trope, which has represented others stars including Cary Grant and Jennifer Lopez.
"Its lawyers have shown how she could seek revenge and riches with a 'twin attack' on the new couple," says the Times.
That so-called twin attack could include a palimony suit against DeGeneres, along with an action against de Rossi for "alienation of affection," a legal maneuver dating back to frontier days when seducing a spouse was considered theft.
"She would have to prove the seduction took place in those states which still recognize the law, like on holiday in Hawaii," Richard Barry, of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, told the Times. "If she can do that, she could cause a lot of financial damage."
Ellen DeGeneres |
In comments to the Advocate, a publication geared for homosexuals, DeGeneres explained, "When I said 'I love Alex, and I'm happier than I've ever been,' all those things were true, and I still love her and care tremendously for her."
"We are working together on the ending of our relationship on that level and intend to keep it private. And it's important to add that we have every intention of being in each other's lives."
DeGeneres continued: "Life is full of surprises, and no one knows what tomorrow brings. This is not easy, but we are really working on handling this in a healthy, private way. And it should go without saying that we continue to respect and honor one another. We both supported and helped each other through some very hard times, and that support is still there."
Hedison also expressed her ongoing feelings for DeGeneres.
"Even though this is a difficult time, I love her and will always want what's best for her," she told the Advocate.
DeGeneres reportedly met de Rossi, whose real name is Amanda Rogers, on a photo-shoot last summer. At that time, de Rossi was preparing to "marry" her girlfriend Francesca Gregorini, the daughter of actress Barbara Bach and stepdaughter of Ringo Starr. The couple broke up last month.
The split between DeGeneres and Hedison is not the only high-profile breakup for Ellen.
In 2000, DeGeneres called it quits with another Hollywood actress, Anne Heche, sparking a huge media frenzy.
DeGeneres went public with her homosexuality in 1997, coinciding with the same revelation from the character she portrayed on the ABC-TV series "Ellen."