Former The View host Rosie O’Donnell has responded to her daughter, Chelsea, being sentenced to prison. Court records filed on Wednesday, October 22, reveal that the 28-year-old Chelsea O’Donnell was accused of violating her probation, which she was serving due to being arrested multiple times within a year. On October 29, the comedian shared a post on Instagram asking her followers for “prayers” as her adopted daughter struggles with drug addiction.
O’Donnell says her daughter has been on “a painful journey”
Rosie O’Donnell, when reached out for comment by US Weekly, continues to support her daughter. “I have compassion for those struggling with addiction,” she said. “Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed.”
This echoes the post she shared on Instagram that was paired with a photo of Chelsea when she was a girl. Rosie O’Donnell wrote, “my child chelsea belle – before addiction took over her life – i loved her then i love her now as she faces a scary future- prayers welcomed-.” She then wrote tags for love, family, and addiction awareness.
In January 2025, Chelsea was sentenced to six years of probation due to three arrests that included drug possession (meth) and child neglect. While she was meant to serve 18 months of prison time, her sentence was stayed and would only serve probation.
However, Chelsea was brought into custody on September 9 for violating the probation, with an official from the treatment drug court confirming that the violation was due to sexual assault allegations. The official further stated that Chelsea had not made much progress in Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Program.
An officer at the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office said Chelsea would be sentenced to the medium-security prison Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Wisconsin.
Earlier this month, Rosie O’Donnell claimed that the producers of The View had set up her fight with Elizabeth Hasselback on the show. She also shared details about her broken friendship with Ellen DeGeneres.
