Rosie O’Donnell has taken to social media to share her concerns regarding her daughter Chelsea, who is currently facing legal troubles and has reportedly been sentenced to prison. The former talk show host used her Instagram platform to express her love and support for Chelsea, emphasizing her struggles with addiction.
In her heartfelt post, O’Donnell shared a nostalgic photo of Chelsea, who she adopted with her former partner Kelli Carpenter. “My child Chelsea Belle – before addiction took over her life – I loved her then I love her now as she faces a scary future,” she wrote. Alongside this, she requested prayers and included hashtags such as #addictionawareness, #love, and #family, highlighting the seriousness of her daughter’s situation.
According to a statement provided to Us Magazine, Chelsea has been sentenced to prison time after violating probation terms. O’Donnell expressed her compassion for those struggling with addiction, revealing that Chelsea was born into a challenging environment pertaining to substance abuse. “It has been a painful journey for her and her children,” O’Donnell noted, reaffirming her undying support during these difficult times.
Chelsea, who is a mother of four, including children born between 2018 and 2023, has faced several legal issues in recent years. Reports indicate she has been in custody since early September following accusations related to probation violations, with details on her prison sentence remaining undisclosed.
Previously, Chelsea experienced a series of arrests starting in September 2024, facing felony charges related to child neglect and drug possession. In March 2025, after a period of legal challenges and rehabilitation efforts, she was sentenced to six years of probation with strict conditions aimed at fostering her recovery.
In a more positive light, O’Donnell had previously shared moments of hope, noting that a judge had commended Chelsea for her progress in treatment and her achievement of obtaining a high school diploma—a significant milestone for her, which she celebrated even if it came later in life.
O’Donnell’s public expression of love and support encapsulates the ongoing struggle against addiction, shedding light on the impact it has on families. Despite the current challenges Chelsea faces, there remains a thread of hope for recovery and healing in their journey together.