Rosie O’Donnell Urges Support as Daughter Faces Legal and Addiction Challenges

By Zoe Papadakis | Thursday, 30 October 2025 01:22 PM EDT

Rosie O’Donnell has requested prayers for her daughter, Chelsea O’Donnell, who is encountering fresh legal difficulties and ongoing battles with addiction. On Wednesday, the actress shared an Instagram post featuring a childhood photo of Chelsea, dressed in a pink striped turtleneck and sweater, accompanied by a plea for support.

“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—addiction awareness love family,” O’Donnell wrote.

The post followed reports that Chelsea O’Donnell’s probation was revoked and she was ordered to begin serving a prison sentence on Oct. 22, according to court documents obtained by People. Speaking with the outlet, her mother stated, “I have compassion for those struggling with addiction. Chelsea was born into addiction, and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed.”

Chelsea O’Donnell, adopted by Rosie O’Donnell as an infant, has faced multiple arrests in Wisconsin over the past year. Between September and December 2024, she was detained three times on various felony charges, including child neglect, methamphetamine possession, and bail-jumping. Her first arrest occurred on Sept. 10, 2024, for neglecting a child and possessing methamphetamine. She was released after posting bail but was arrested again a month later on new felony counts, including bail-jumping, resisting or obstructing an officer, and drug possession. A third arrest in November involved similar drug-related offenses and another bail-jumping charge.

In March 2025, Chelsea O’Donnell appeared in court after pleading guilty to three felony charges—resisting or obstructing an officer, felony bail-jumping, and methamphetamine possession. She received a six-year probation sentence, with two years for each count, while additional misdemeanor charges of drug possession and paraphernalia were dismissed. Under probation terms, she was required to remain sober, avoid contact with drug users, and refrain from possessing firearms. A violation of these conditions could result in imprisonment.

Following the Oct. 22 ruling, her probation was revoked, and she was ordered to begin serving her sentence.