Rosie O'Donnell Speaks Out After Daughter Chelsea's Arrest Relating to Drugs and Child Neglect: 'It's Hard'

Mar. 15, 2025

(L-R) Rosie O’Donnell and Chelsea Belle O’Donnell pose at the “2nd Annual Fran Drescher Cancer Schmancer Sunset Cabaret Cruise” on The SS Hornblower Infinity Crusie Ship on June 20, 2016 in New York City.Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

Rosie O’Donnellis feeling supported after her daughter Chelsea’s arrest.

The comedian’s eldest daughter wascharged with felony child neglect and drug possession chargesin Wisconsin last month, and Rosie, 62, shared astatementabout the matter on Instagram on Oct. 19 as she said the legal trouble “is not new for our family.”

On Oct. 21, Rosie shared another statement, this time thanking fans for “their kind words and wishes about Chelsea.”

“I appreciate that — it’s very nice,” Rosie said in a selfie-style video on TikTok. “And for all the people who told me they were going through something similar with a child or spouse or a brother or a lover, thank you for making me feel less alone.”

She continued, “I think it’s hard to be a public person sometimes and it’s hard for the children of those public people. But, you know, it is what it is in the culture today.”

“I adore her. AndBrandi CarlileandAnnie Lennox. Joni Jam, man. If you have the chance to go see it, do.”

She was charged with multiple felony counts including neglecting a child, possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

Then, on Oct. 11, Chelsea was booked into Oconto Country Jail, where she remains in custody. She now faces felony counts of of possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotic drugs and bail jumping, plus misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Chelsea Belle O’Donnell is pictured with one of her four children.Rosie O’Donnell/Instagram

Rosie O’Donnell/Instagram

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In her Instagram post, Rosie included a photo of her daughter with one of her young kids as she wrote, “Chelsea is in the news today - this is a photo from a better time,” before sharing “the family comment.”

“Sadly this is not new for our family - Chelsea has struggled with drug addiction for a decade - we r all hopeful she will find her way out of this deadly disease 💔 .”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com