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, who gained recognition on Star Search in 1984. Her career includes various television and film roles. From 1996 to 2002, she hosted the successful daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. During that time, she was known as the "Queen of Nice" and became known for her charitable work.

Sections (5)

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

1997: Partnership with Listerine

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

April 19, 1999: Gun Control Stance

On April 19, 1999, following the Columbine shootings, Rosie O'Donnell expressed a strong stance on gun control during her talk show, stating that those who own guns should go to prison.

May 1999: Interview with Tom Selleck

In May 1999, Rosie O'Donnell interviewed Tom Selleck on her talk show about his involvement with the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and questioned him about the NRA's position on the use of assault weapons.

1999: Contract Discontinuation with Kmart

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

May 2000: Bodyguard Applied for Firearm Permit

In May 2000, Rosie O'Donnell's bodyguard applied for a concealed firearm permit due to threats, with O'Donnell stating that she and her family needed protection.

2001: Mia Removed from Home

In 2001, the state of Florida removed Mia from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home due to laws prohibiting same-sex family adoption. O'Donnell subsequently campaigned against this law.

March 14, 2002: Interview with Diane Sawyer on Primetime Thursday

On March 14, 2002, Diane Sawyer interviewed Rosie O'Donnell on PrimeTime Thursday. O'Donnell spoke about Florida's ban on gay adoption and her coming out drew criticism from some LGBTQ activists.

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February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church

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

2003: Rosie Magazine Folds and Lawsuits Begin

In 2003, Rosie magazine folded. Later in 2003, Rosie O'Donnell and the publishers sued each other for breach of contract, leading to a trial that received press coverage. The case was eventually dismissed by the judge Ira Gammerman of the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, with neither side receiving damages.

February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter

On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco after Mayor Gavin Newsom authorized same-sex marriage licenses. The marriage was seen as a defiance against President George W. Bush's stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment. The ceremony was conducted by San Francisco Treasurer Susan Leal and included a performance by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.

November 2006: Comments 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 it was a homophobic reaction.

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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", leading to disappointment from Vanessa Hua of the San Francisco Chronicle, given O'Donnell's support for LGBT rights.

December 2006: Criticism of Donald Trump

In December 2006, Rosie O'Donnell criticized Donald Trump for reinstating Miss USA Tara Conner, citing his marital affairs and bankruptcies, leading to a media blitz from Trump who threatened to sue O'Donnell.

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2006: Moderator on The View

In 2006, Rosie O'Donnell became the moderator on The View, leading to controversial discussions and a public feud with Donald Trump.

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April 19, 2007: Discussion on Abortion Ban Act

On April 19, 2007, the panel on The View discussed the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart, where Rosie O'Donnell cited a Florynce Kennedy quote and questioned the influence of Catholic judges.

May 17, 2007: Questioning the Iraq War and U.S. Actions

On May 17, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell questioned the high number of Iraqi civilian deaths and the U.S.'s role in Iraq, leading to criticism from conservative commentators.

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, stemming from O'Donnell's perception that Hasselbeck was unwilling to defend her from criticism. O'Donnell felt betrayed and hurt by the interaction.

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May 25, 2007: Agreement to Cut Short Contract with ABC

On May 25, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and ABC agreed to cut short her contract agreement, following heated discussions on The View. ABC News reported that the arguments with Hasselbeck brought the show its best ratings ever.

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2007: Controversies on The View

In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell continued her controversial run on The View, including on-air disputes regarding the Bush administration's policies with the Iraq War.

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2007: Controversial Opinion on 9/11

In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell voiced her opinion concerning the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, questioning the NIST conclusions and alleging U.S. government involvement in the attacks.

September 2024: Chelsea Arrested in Wisconsin

In September 2024, Chelsea O'Donnell was arrested in Marinette County, Wisconsin, on charges involving child neglect, domestic abuse, maintaining a drug trafficking facility, possession of methamphetamine, illegally obtaining prescriptions and drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of THC.

October 2024: Chelsea Arrested Again in Wisconsin

In October 2024, Chelsea O'Donnell was arrested again, this time in Oconto County, Wisconsin, and subsequently charged with bail jumping, felony possession of methamphetamine and narcotic drugs, and misdemeanor counts involving possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting or obstructing an officer.

November 2024: Chelsea Arrested for a Third Time in Wisconsin

In November 2024, Chelsea O'Donnell was arrested for a third time in Wisconsin, in Marinette County, on two felony counts of bail jumping, two felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, and a felony count of possession of narcotic drugs.