Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Rosie O'Donnell

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2026

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 prominence through Star Search in 1984, leading to various television and film roles. O'Donnell hosted the successful daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, from 1996 to 2002, earning the moniker "Queen of Nice" and recognition for her philanthropy. The show garnered multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.

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

1997: Response to Procter & Gamble's "unkissable" designation

In 1997, after Procter & Gamble's designation of Rosie O'Donnell as "unkissable" in a Scope mouthwash promotion, O'Donnell partnered with Listerine, who donated bottles of mouthwash and $1,000 to charity every time a hosted guest would kiss her.

April 19, 1999: Gun Control Advocacy

On April 19, 1999, during her talk show, Rosie O'Donnell expressed strong support for gun control following the Columbine shootings.

May 1999: Interview with Tom Selleck

In May 1999, Rosie O'Donnell interviewed Tom Selleck on her talk show and questioned him about his support for the National Rifle Association (NRA).

1999: Contract with Kmart Discontinued

Later in 1999, Rosie O'Donnell discontinued her contract with Kmart as their spokeswoman due to controversy over her gun control stance.

May 2000: Bodyguard Applies for Firearm Permit

In May 2000, Rosie O'Donnell's bodyguard applied for a concealed firearm permit due to threats, highlighting the need for protection for her and her family.

2001: Mia Removed From Home

In 2001, the State of Florida removed Mia from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home, and O'Donnell has since worked extensively to bring an end to the Florida law prohibiting same-sex family adoption.

March 14, 2002: Diane Sawyer Interview

On March 14, 2002, Diane Sawyer interviewed Rosie O'Donnell on PrimeTime Thursday. Rosie discussed her desire for an investigative piece on Florida's ban on gay adoption and spoke about two gay men in Florida who were at risk of losing their foster child due to the ban.

February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church Abuse Scandal

On February 24, 2003, Rosie O'Donnell commented on Phil Donahue's talk show on the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.

2003: Rosie magazine folded and lawsuits

In 2003, Rosie magazine folded. Later in 2003, O'Donnell and the publishers sued each other for breach of contract. The trial received considerable press coverage, with O'Donnell apologizing for comments made to a former colleague.

February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter

On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco, two weeks after Mayor Gavin Newsom authorized the granting of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The event was seen as a show of defiance against then-President George W. Bush over his support for the Federal Marriage Amendment.

September 2006: Joins The View

In September 2006, Rosie O'Donnell replaced Meredith Vieira as a co-host and moderator of The View, contributing to a rise in ratings.

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November 2006: Comments on Kelly Ripa's Complaints

In November 2006, Rosie O'Donnell commented on Kelly Ripa's complaints about Clay Aiken on Live with Regis and Kelly, sparking controversy.

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December 5, 2006: O'Donnell's controversial imitation of Chinese newscasters

On December 5, 2006, Rosie O'Donnell used a series of ching chongs to imitate newscasters in China. The incident drew criticism, including from Vanessa Hua of the San Francisco Chronicle, especially given O'Donnell's support of LGBT rights.

December 2006: O'Donnell criticizes Donald Trump

In December 2006, Rosie O'Donnell publicly criticized Donald Trump for his handling of the Miss USA Tara Conner scandal. She questioned his moral authority due to his past marital affairs and business bankruptcies. This led to a media feud, with Trump threatening to sue O'Donnell and making personal insults.

2006: Moderator on The View

In 2006, Rosie O'Donnell became the moderator on the daytime talk show The View.

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April 19, 2007: Discussion of Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion Ban

On April 19, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and the panel on The View discussed the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart, which upheld the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. O'Donnell questioned the number of Catholic Supreme Court judges and the separation of church and state, sparking controversy and accusations of anti-Catholic bigotry.

May 17, 2007: O'Donnell questions civilian deaths in Iraq War

On May 17, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell questioned the high number of Iraqi civilian deaths resulting from the Iraq War, during a segment on The View. She controversially asked who the terrorists were, leading to criticism that she was comparing American soldiers to terrorists.

May 23, 2007: Heated exchange with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View

On May 23, 2007, a heated discussion occurred on The View between Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. O'Donnell felt betrayed by Hasselbeck's perceived unwillingness to defend her from criticisms regarding her earlier statements about the Iraq War. This led to hurt feelings and a sense of betrayal.

2007: Controversial comments on 9/11 attacks

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.