Buddy isn't doing as well as he was in the past.

In 2010 allegations arose that he couldn't afford to pay his mortgage and in 2011 one of his major sources of capital for his hedge fund requested that he return their funds. They're now suing him.

The timeline is that just as his legal/financial issues reach a crescendo Ellen files a lawsuit.

Personally I think they're more than likely unrelated but it's unfortunate timing.