Ellen DeGeneres is challenging a lawsuit connected to a 2023 car accident in California, arguing that she was never properly served with legal papers. The case stems from a traffic collision in Santa Barbara County in October 2023, in which a woman alleges that DeGeneres ran a stop sign and struck her Tesla.
The plaintiff claims she sustained injuries and is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for negligence.
According to court documents dated January 21, DeGeneres’ legal team contends that the service of process was not completed in accordance with legal requirements. The filing states that documents were left on December 23, 2025, at the receptionist desk of Neuman + Associates, a business management firm. Her attorneys argue that this location is neither her dwelling nor her usual place of business, and that she was not present at the time the documents were delivered.
The plaintiff reportedly claimed that additional attempts were made to serve papers at NKSFB, LLC on January 6 and January 7, where documents were allegedly left with an employee or security guard. DeGeneres’ response disputes that this constitutes valid service, stating there was no reasonable expectation she would be present on those dates. The filing further argues that leaving legal documents with a security guard in a large office building does not meet the legal threshold for proper notification.
Harley Neuman, head of Neuman + Associates and a board member of the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, submitted a supporting declaration. He acknowledged that documents were left at the office but stated that DeGeneres was not there at the time. He also indicated there was no interaction with the process server, no explanation of the documents’ contents, and no signed acknowledgment of receipt. Additionally, he said he was unaware of any mailed copy of the summons and complaint being sent to the office.
The lawsuit was originally filed in September 2025. DeGeneres, who turned 68 on January 26, relocated to the United Kingdom in 2024 and now resides there with her wife, Portia de Rossi. A court date for the case is currently scheduled for April 30. As the dispute over service continues, the court will determine whether the case can proceed or whether further steps must be taken to properly notify the defendant.