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 a well-known American comedian, actress, and talk show host. Starting her comedy career early, she gained prominence on Star Search in 1984. She transitioned to television and film roles before hosting the highly successful daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, from 1996 to 2002, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. During this time, she was known as the "Queen of Nice" for her positive demeanor and philanthropic activities.

Sections (5)

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

1997: Scope Promotion and Listerine Partnership

In 1997, after Procter & Gamble's Scope mouthwash promotion designated O'Donnell as "unkissable", she partnered with Warner–Lambert's Listerine, who donated to charity for every kiss she received on her show, raising over $350,000.

April 19, 1999: Gun Control Stance on Talk Show

On April 19, 1999, during her talk show broadcast, Rosie O'Donnell stated her strong stance on gun control, advocating for imprisonment for gun owners.

May 1999: Interview with Tom Selleck on Gun Control

In May 1999, Rosie O'Donnell interviewed Tom Selleck on her talk show, questioning his NRA commercial and the NRA's stance on assault weapons.

1999: Contract Discontinuation with Kmart

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

September 2000: Launch of Rosie's McCall's Magazine

In September 2000, Rosie O'Donnell partnered with McCall's publishers to revamp the magazine as Rosie's McCall's, launched as a competitor to Oprah Winfrey's magazine. In the September 2000 issue, O'Donnell shared her lifelong struggle with depression and decision to start medications. The magazine had a strong start, but conflicts with editors later emerged.

2001: Mia Removed from Home

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

March 14, 2002: Interview on PrimeTime Thursday

On March 14, 2002, Diane Sawyer interviewed Rosie O'Donnell in an episode of PrimeTime Thursday, where O'Donnell discussed Florida's ban on gay adoption. O'Donnell responded to criticism from LGBTQ activists who cited her repeated references to being enamored of Tom Cruise on The Rosie O'Donnell Show as deceptive. She also told the press that her haircut was meant to mimic that of former Culture Club backup singer Helen Terry.

September 2002: O'Donnell Quits Rosie's McCall's Magazine

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

February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church Scandal

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

2003: Rosie Magazine Folds and Lawsuits Ensue

In 2003, Rosie magazine folded, and O'Donnell and the publishers sued each other for breach of contract. O'Donnell made an apology for stating that people who lie "get sick and they get cancer". 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 after the city authorized same-sex marriage licenses. The decision to marry Carpenter was a form of defiance against President George W. Bush's stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment.

November 2006: Comments on Kelly Ripa and Clay Aiken Incident

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

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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," which led to criticism from Vanessa Hua of the San Francisco Chronicle.

December 2006: Criticism of Donald Trump

In December 2006, Rosie O'Donnell criticized Donald Trump for holding a press conference to reinstate Miss USA Tara Conner after she violated pageant guidelines. O'Donnell questioned Trump's moral authority given his marital affairs and business bankruptcies, leading to a media blitz from Trump threatening to sue her.

April 19, 2007: Comments on Supreme Court Ruling and Catholicism

On April 19, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell discussed the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart on The View and questioned the role of Catholic judges and the separation of church and state, leading to accusations of anti-Catholic bigotry.

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May 17, 2007: Questioning the Iraq War and Civilian Deaths

On May 17, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell questioned the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the high number of Iraqi civilian deaths, asking who the terrorists were, sparking controversy and criticism.

May 23, 2007: Heated Discussion with Elisabeth Hasselbeck

On May 23, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell engaged in a heated discussion with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View regarding O'Donnell's previous statements about the Iraq War. O'Donnell felt betrayed by Hasselbeck's unwillingness to defend her, contributing to her decision to leave the show.

2007: O'Donnell Questions 9/11 Attacks

In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell publicly questioned the NIST conclusions regarding the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and alleged the U.S. government's involvement in the attacks.

2007: Controversies on The View

In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell's controversial run as moderator on The View continued, including a public feud with Donald Trump and on-air disputes about the Iraq War.

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