Presenter Rosie O'Donnell speaks on stage about Madonna during the 30th annual GLAAD awards ceremony in New York City, New York, U.S., May 4, 2019. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Chelsea O’Donnell, the 28-year-old daughter of comedian Rosie O’Donnell, has been returned to jail following allegations that she violated the terms of her probation, including claims of inappropriate conduct involving a man in her vehicle.
According to a report from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Chelsea was accused of touching a man without his consent during an incident that allegedly occurred while he was seated in the backseat of her car. The report states that she reached toward his inner thigh and, after he pushed her hand away, allegedly continued the contact. Authorities further allege she became upset and began driving recklessly, causing the man to fear for his safety.
Chelsea has denied the allegations, maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
Probation Violations Cited
Court records indicate that Chelsea had been sentenced to 18 months in prison, though the sentence was initially stayed on the condition that she comply with strict probation requirements.
Among those conditions was a mandate that she obtain prior approval before engaging in any romantic or sexual relationships. Officials allege she failed to do so and admitted to multiple relationships between July and September 2025, which authorities cited as additional probation violations.
Removal From Treatment Program
Chelsea was also terminated from the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Program in October 2025 after officials determined she was not complying with rehabilitation requirements.
Following her removal from the program, she was taken into custody on September 9, 2025, according to the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office. A Wisconsin judge subsequently ordered that she serve her sentence at Taycheedah Correctional Institution.
Chelsea had previously received six years of probation in early 2025 after multiple drug-related arrests between September and November 2024.
Rosie O’Donnell Speaks Out
Rosie O’Donnell has publicly addressed her daughter’s struggles with addiction in the past, expressing both heartbreak and continued support. Chelsea was adopted by the comedian as an infant and has faced documented health challenges since birth.
The case remains active within Wisconsin’s correctional system as Chelsea begins serving her sentence.
