Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Rosie O'Donnell

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Rosie O'Donnell.

Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and talk show host. She gained recognition on Star Search in 1984 before transitioning into film and television roles. Her career reached its peak with The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996-2002), a successful daytime talk show that earned her the nickname "Queen of Nice" due to her positive persona and philanthropic activities. The show received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: Responded to "unkissable" designation

In 1997, after Procter & Gamble designated Rosie O'Donnell as "unkissable" in a promotion for Scope mouthwash, O'Donnell partnered with Warner–Lambert's competitor Listerine, who donated bottles of mouthwash to the studio audience and donated $1,000 to charity every time a hosted guest would kiss her, raising over $350,000.

April 19, 1999: Statement on Gun Ownership

On April 19, 1999, during her talk show broadcast, Rosie O'Donnell stated her views on gun ownership following the Columbine shootings, advocating for stricter gun control.

May 1999: Interview with Tom Selleck on Gun Control

In May 1999, a month after the Columbine shootings, Rosie O'Donnell interviewed Tom Selleck and questioned him about his involvement with the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and the NRA's stance on assault weapons.

1999: Discontinuation of Kmart Contract

Later in 1999, Rosie O'Donnell discontinued her contract with Kmart as their spokeswoman due to complaints from gun enthusiasts.

2001: Mia Removed From Home

In 2001, Mia was removed from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home by the State of Florida, due to laws prohibiting same-sex family adoption, leading O'Donnell to advocate for the repeal of the law.

March 14, 2002: Diane Sawyer Interview

On March 14, 2002, Diane Sawyer interviewed Rosie O'Donnell on PrimeTime Thursday, where O'Donnell discussed her life and the Florida ban on gay adoption, highlighting the case of two gay men facing the removal of their foster child due to the state's discriminatory laws.

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September 2002: Quit Rosie's McCall's magazine

In September 2002, Rosie O'Donnell quit Rosie's McCall's magazine following a dispute over editorial control, stating that if her name and brand were on the magazine, it had to be her vision.

February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church Abuse Scandal

On February 24, 2003, during an episode of Phil Donahue's talk show, Rosie O'Donnell commented on the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic archdiocese of Boston, expressing her hope that the Church would be sued until the end of time.

2003: Lawsuits and resolution surrounding Rosie magazine

In 2003, Rosie magazine folded. In late 2003, Rosie O'Donnell and the publishers sued each other for breach of contract. The judge dismissed the case, ruling that neither side should receive damages.

February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter

On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco, following the authorization of marriage licenses for same-sex couples. This act was a statement against President George W. Bush's stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment. The marriage took place in San Francisco.

November 2006: Comment on Kelly Ripa and Clay Aiken

In November 2006, Rosie O'Donnell commented on Kelly Ripa's complaint about Clay Aiken on Live with Regis and Kelly, suggesting that Kelly made a homophobic comment.

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December 5, 2006: Imitation of Chinese Newscasters

On December 5, 2006, Rosie O'Donnell imitated Chinese newscasters using a series of "ching chongs." This action was met with disappointment from Vanessa Hua of the San Francisco Chronicle, especially considering O'Donnell's support for LGBT rights.

December 2006: Criticism of Donald Trump

In December 2006, Rosie O'Donnell publicly criticized Donald Trump for reinstating Miss USA Tara Conner, accusing him of exploiting her scandal for publicity and questioning his moral authority due to his past marital affairs and business bankruptcies. Trump responded with a media campaign, threatening to sue O'Donnell and insulting her, leading to tension between O'Donnell and Barbara Walters.

2006: Moderator on The View

In 2006, Rosie O'Donnell started her controversial run as the moderator on the daytime talk show The View.

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April 19, 2007: Discussion on Abortion and Supreme Court

On April 19, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and The View panel discussed the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart, with O'Donnell questioning the influence of Catholicism on the court's decision, which led to accusations of "anti-Catholic bigotry".

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May 17, 2007: Comments on the Iraq War

On May 17, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell questioned who the terrorists were, given the number of Iraqi civilian deaths caused by the U.S. invasion. She stated that if another country invaded the United States and killed a similar number of citizens, the Iraqis would call the United States terrorists.

May 23, 2007: Heated Discussion with Elisabeth Hasselbeck

On May 23, 2007, a heated discussion ensued between Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View, because of what O'Donnell perceived as Hasselbeck's unwillingness to defend O'Donnell from criticisms regarding her statements about the Iraq War. O'Donnell felt betrayed and hurt by Hasselbeck's on-air behavior.

2007: Outspoken opinion on 9/11

In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell announced her opinion concerning the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, in which she questioned NIST conclusions, and alleged the United States government's involvement in the attacks.

2007: Controversial Run on The View

In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell continued her controversial run on The View, which included public feuds and on-air disputes.

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2016: Resumed Drinking Due to Depression

Following President Trump’s first election victory in 2016, Rosie O'Donnell started drinking again due to severe depression.

September 2024: Chelsea Arrested in Wisconsin

In September 2024, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea, was arrested in Marinette County, Wisconsin, facing charges including child neglect, domestic abuse, maintaining a drug trafficking facility, possession of methamphetamine, and other drug-related offenses after her child was found in a hazardous environment.

October 2024: Chelsea Arrested Again

In October 2024, Chelsea, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, was arrested again, this time in Oconto County, and charged with bail jumping, felony possession of methamphetamine and narcotic drugs, and misdemeanor counts involving possession of drug paraphernalia.

November 2024: Third Arrest of Chelsea

In November 2024, Chelsea, daughter of Rosie O'Donnell, was arrested a third time in Marinette County, facing felony counts of bail jumping, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of narcotic drugs.