Rosie O’Donnell: Recent Updates and Life in 2025

Rosie O’Donnell, the renowned American comedian, actress, and former talk show host, has been making headlines in 2025 with significant life changes and public statements. Below is a comprehensive overview of her recent activities, based on the latest available information.

Move to Ireland

In January 2025, Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland with her 12-year-old child, Clay (Dakota), citing the political climate in the United States as a primary reason. In a TikTok video posted on March 11, 2025, she confirmed the move, stating, “It’s been pretty wonderful… The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming, and I’m very grateful.” O’Donnell, who is of Irish descent, is in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship through her grandparents.

She expressed missing her other children and friends in the U.S. but emphasized that she and Clay would consider returning only “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America.” She settled in Howth, a small village near Dublin, after an initial plan to move to Dalkey was disrupted due to mold issues in a prospective home. O’Donnell has praised the community in Howth, noting the welcoming nature of the locals and the suitability of the area for Clay, who has autism and allergy issues.

Political Statements and Criticism of Trump

O’Donnell’s move to Ireland was heavily influenced by her concerns about the political landscape in the U.S., particularly following Donald Trump’s second term inauguration on January 20, 2025. A vocal critic of Trump for years, she alluded to his policies as a reason for her departure, describing the political situation as “heartbreaking” and “hard for me personally.”

In a March 2025 TikTok video, she encouraged her followers to “stand up, use their voice, and protest” against cruelty in governance, without directly naming Trump. Additionally, posts on X indicate that O’Donnell questioned the legitimacy of the 2024 U.S. presidential election results, suggesting possible fraud because Trump won every swing state, while claiming Kamala Harris was “filling up stadiums.” These statements drew attention, with some sources reporting the White House responding with “Good riddance” to her departure.

Personal Life and Family Updates

O’Donnell, a mother of five, has faced challenges with her daughter Chelsea, who was arrested multiple times in 2024 and 2025 for drug-related charges and child neglect. Chelsea’s decision to change her last name to her birth mother’s maiden name prompted O’Donnell to share her complex emotions through a poem, reflecting on their strained relationship.

Despite these difficulties, O’Donnell expressed gratitude for her supporters on TikTok. On a brighter note, she celebrated her son Blake’s wedding to Teresa Garofalow Westervelt, sharing photos of the blended family event. O’Donnell also provided a health update on her friend Madonna, who was hospitalized for a bacterial infection, and paid tribute to her late co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away at 39.

Friendship with Lyle Menendez

An unexpected development in 2025 was O’Donnell’s publicized friendship with Lyle Menendez, one of the Menendez brothers convicted of murdering their parents. She revealed to the New York Times that she spoke with Lyle nightly for two years, describing the relationship as a “primary” one in her life where she felt “safe” being vulnerable. O’Donnell has advocated for compassion toward the brothers, especially as new evidence has emerged in their case, and jokingly referred to Lyle as her “first straight love affair.”

Professional Endeavors

While O’Donnell has been less active in mainstream entertainment, she continues to engage with her audience through social media and creative projects. She is reportedly working on documentaries and remains a contributor to The Advocate, a role she took up in 2023.

Her move to Ireland has not diminished her commitment to advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and adoption issues, causes she has championed since coming out as a lesbian in 2002. Additionally, she commented on the entertainment industry, criticizing Drew Barrymore for resuming her talk show during the 2023 Writers’ Guild strike and addressing her unresolved feud with Ellen DeGeneres, who also moved abroad in 2025.

Health and Lifestyle

O’Donnell shared updates on her health, including a dramatic weight loss journey using a popular weight-loss drug, which shocked fans. She also discussed a health scare involving a growth that required medical attention, noting she was “very lucky” to have addressed it early. Financially, she faced a multimillion-dollar loss after selling her New York City penthouse, prompting speculation of seller’s remorse.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

O’Donnell’s actions have sparked varied reactions. Her move to Ireland and comments on U.S. politics have been polarizing, with some praising her stance on equality and others, including Trump’s team, responding critically. Her advocacy for the Menendez brothers and her candidness about personal struggles, including her daughter’s legal issues, have kept her in the public eye. Posts on X reflect ongoing discussions about her election fraud claims, indicating a mix of support and skepticism.

Conclusion

Concerns over U.S. politics, along with personal milestones and challenges, have marked Rosie O’Donnell’s 2025 with a significant relocation to Ireland. From her advocacy for social issues to her unexpected friendships and family updates, O’Donnell remains a prominent and polarizing figure. Her story continues to evolve as she navigates life in a new country while staying connected to her roots and causes.