Rosie O’Donnell Had “Painful” Friendship Fallout With Ellen DeGeneres

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Rosie O’Donnellis reflecting on difficult moments from her friendship with Ellen DeGeneres.

During an interview on television, the actress who played in “A League of Their Own” remembered a sad incident from around the 2000s when she claimed that the star of “Finding Dory” refused to acknowledge their longtime friendship, which Rosie described as spanning over several decades.

On the September 8th episode of the No Filter podcast, Rosie expressed that what transpired was among the most agonizing experiences she’s encountered, both in her career and personal life. She found it hard to believe. After all, they had been friends for three decades, with photos of her and this person holding Rosie’s newborn babies.

The 63-year-old recalled the instance of being denied friendship so vividly that she had t-shirts made, which she then gifted to her team, bearing the message, “I don’t recognize Rosie – we’re not acquainted.

In 2002, approximately five years following Ellen’s public announcement of her sexuality, Rosie (who identified as a lesbian) felt the slight more intensely. This was partly due to a significant moment they had shared on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” in the ’90s, where they playfully made references to Ellen being “Lebanese,” unaware that she was actually coming out as a lesbian at the time.

Rosie described a situation where Ellen, as a host, found herself in a position similar to mine, aiming for a successful show and desiring both financial rewards and recognition,” explained Rosie, referring to the host of the Ellen Degeneres Show. “Instead of choosing to support me by standing beside me and holding my hand, which is what I offered her in return, she opted for something different. And I was taken aback by this unexpected move.

Ever since then, Rosie mentioned that she and Ellen haven’t been able to move past the incident, and no apology has been extended to her.

In simpler terms, “Rosie expressed regret by saying, ‘I sincerely apologize for causing you so much pain, and I can’t explain why I acted that way. It was a mistake, and I genuinely hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.’ However, one might interpret her continued reflection as enjoying the situation.

However, she sees herself and the comedian as fundamentally different people.

Rosie expressed that her strongest driving factor in life is her passion for establishing a family, which she pursues relentlessly wherever she goes. However, she noted that not everyone shares this trait with her.

Ellen has remained silent about her friendship with Rosie, but earlier this year, she supported the actress, who moved to Ireland due to political reasons in January, when President Donald Trump threatened to take away her citizenship. On Instagram, she wrote, “Kudos to you, Rosie.

In my own journey, I’ve discovered that family isn’t always defined by blood ties alone. While there may have been challenges with certain relationships, I’ve managed to cultivate a beautiful family unit in unexpected ways. For instance, I’ve found a deep connection with my former spouse, Kelli Carpenter. Together, we’ve created a wonderful bond and raised remarkable children: Parker, Chelsea, Blake, and Vivienne, who are now 30, 27, 25, and 22 respectively.

In addition, I was fortunate enough to share my life with the late Michelle Rounds, with whom I welcomed our beautiful boy, Clay, who is now 12 years old. Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres found her happiness when she tied the knot with Portia de Rossi in 2008. Family, as we all know, comes in various forms and enriches our lives in countless ways.

TopMob News has reached out to a rep for Ellen for comment and has not yet heard back.

Read on for more stars who have had public feuds. 

In January 2024, Bobby, who is the one on the second spot from the left in the picture, spoke up to clear rumors about a possible rift with Tan, who is in the middle of the photo. This statement came about two months following his departure from Queer Eye, after an impressive run of eight seasons.

He assured Vanity Fair, “Tan and I are doing well, despite a private matter that doesn’t concern the show. This issue has been simmering for some time now, and to set the record straight, it was not romantic in nature.

In March 2024, Tan addressed rumors claiming he was trying to get his friend Jeremiah Brent instead of Bobby on the show “Queer Eye.

He mentioned on Instagram that Netflix and the production companies thoroughly considered candidates for the role. It wasn’t him who suggested his friend for the position, instead, they secured it due to their superior qualifications. However, he clarified that he didn’t tamper with the hiring process by eliminating another candidate.

During a December 2023 podcast episode titled Let’s Be Clear, Holly Marie Combs, Shannen’s costar from the show Charmed, claimed that Alyssa had put the show producer in a difficult position by demanding a choice between her and Shannen. This alleged ultimatum is believed to have led to Shannen’s departure from the series in 2001.

In February 2024, Alyssa posted on Instagram, “I didn’t possess the authority to terminate anyone’s employment,” and she also stated that “these events happened so far in the past that any subsequent accounts of them could be considered rewriting history.

The following day, during a panel discussion at MegaCon Orlando, Shannen asserted, “No one is rewriting history as far as the truth I’ve always known is concerned.

Shannen passed away in July 2024 after a yearslong battle with cancer.

In September 2023, while engaging in a game named “_Stir the Pot_” on _TopMob News_ with her daughter _Kelly Osbourne_, Sharon expressed that the star from _That ’70s Show_ was the most impolite celebrity she had ever encountered. She labeled him as “very impolite,” and a “nasty, nasty, nasty, nasty kid” and a “despicable little being.

He did not respond to her remarks publicly.

Back in the day, five years ago, I recall vividly that Sharon shared with Larry King a little incident. It happened when Ashton graced the stage on The Talk in 2014. Apparently, she mistakenly referred to him by the wrong name, and it seemed to have rubbed him the wrong way, as he reportedly displayed an “attitude” afterward.

In a nostalgic recollection, I remember her challenging me, “So, who are you, and what have you accomplished in this field?” To which I gleefully responded, “Listen, young one, don’t underestimate me! I’ll swallow you whole and spit you back out!” Essentially, I was conveying that she didn’t understand the caliber of competition she was facing.

In August 2022, Cassadee and Brittany, wife of country singer Jason Aldean, exchanged sharp comments following Brittany’s Instagram post on the 23rd of that month. The post featured Brittany applying makeup, with a caption expressing gratitude to her parents for not altering her gender during her tomboy phase, and embracing her feminine lifestyle instead.

During a popular TikTok challenge in 2022, JoJo Siwa labeled Candace Cameron Bure as the most impolite celebrity she had encountered. This was following an instance on a red carpet where Bure declined to take a photo with her, leaving Siwa feeling overlooked. However, shortly after the comment, Bure issued an apology: “I’m truly sorry for breaking your heart when I was 11. I didn’t take a picture with you on the red carpet then. I feel bad about it now – JoJo, please accept my sincere apologies.

After resolving their differences, the two individuals found harmony. However, several months passed, and Candace was posed a question about whether the Great American Family network, where she holds the position of chief creative officer, might incorporate same-sex couples as main characters in holiday films. She responded negatively, stating that the network would continue to prioritize traditional marriages.

JoJo, who publicly identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community last year, expressed on Instagram that the actress’ remark was “unnecessarily disrespectful and painful to an entire group of individuals.

In June 2021, Courtney Love claimed that Olivia Rodrigo had used the album cover of her band Hole without giving proper credit for a promotional photo. Rodrigo responded with a message expressing admiration and appreciation. To this, Love replied jokingly, suggesting that she should check out London’s best florist and offering to provide more details if Rodrigo were to direct message her. She ended the exchange by expressing anticipation for reading Rodrigo’s response and adding a winking emoji.

During an episode on “Watch What Happens Live”, the actor from “Happy Days” was inquired about his strained relationship with the actor from “Forrest Gump” during the filming of the 1989 movie “Turner & Hooch”.

For 13 days, I had been directing the movie, but then I was summoned to Jeff Katzenberg’s office. He told me, “Do you have everything you need? Go home,” he said.

As a fervent admirer, I must confess, I found an extraordinary camaraderie with Hanks’ canine cast mate! In my own words, let me share the sentiment: “That dog and I hit it off wonderfully well!” Truly, I hold a deep affection for that magnificent creature.

He also refused to admit if he’s even seen the flick. 

“You know what you did!”

As a lifestyle aficionado, I can’t help but reminisce about the captivating moments from The Hills. Do you recall the iconic phrase uttered by Lauren on the season three opener? Their conflict originated when Heidi began dating Spencer Pratt, and it escalated dramatically when Lauren alleged that Heidi and Spencer had spread a false rumor suggesting she had filmed a sex tape with Jason Wahler.

It all started when Tyrese took to Instagram to criticize Dwayne following the postponement of the release date for Fast and Furious 9 to April 2020. Interestingly, it was also revealed on the same day that a Fast and Furious spinoff featuring Dwayne and Jason Statham would be released in 2019. The tension escalated further as Tyrese made a statement the following month that he would consider leaving Fast 9 if Dwayne was involved in the movie.

Later on, Tyrese spoke candidly about the disagreement, confiding in Van Lathan during an episode of the “The Red Pill” podcast, stating, “Up till now, I haven’t spoken to The Rock personally, but we will discuss things.” He also mentioned that he had a chat with The Rock’s producing partner, however, not with Dwayne Johnson himself.

In this role, I often served as a representative for many individuals connected to the franchise. Unfortunately, I was the one who decided to publicly express my feelings about the situation – something I regret doing because it wasn’t professional or tasteful.” – Tyrese commented.

No more bad blood here.

For quite some time, Taylor and Katy had been embroiled in a longstanding dispute, with the conflict supposedly leading to Taylor writing the song “Bad Blood.” This disagreement, which began over reported issues about a backup dancer and competing tours, was finally resolved when Perry extended an olive branch – literally – prior to Taylor’s Reputation Tour launch.

In an Instagram video, Taylor mentioned, “I’ve just entered my dressing room and discovered a real olive branch here. It means so much to me.

Taylor captioned the video, “Thank you Katy.”

For many years, it was speculated that co-stars Kim and Sarah Jessica Parker from the show “Sex and the City” might have had disputes beneath the surface. However, these rumors were rekindled when Kim opted not to participate in a third movie and made some remarks about her fellow actress that left people questioning their relationship.

Andy Cohen inquired about Sarah Jessica Parker’s response when Kim Cattrall claimed they were only professional acquaintances, not friends, during an interview with Piers Morgan, as discussed on the September 2017 episode of “Watch What Happens Live.

She conveyed that she was deeply saddened by what was discussed over the past week. It left her feeling very distressed as this version of events didn’t align with her recollections of their shared experiences.

She explained that the shared, prolonged professional experience they had formed a deep bond between them, transcending recent events. This unique journey spanning years had a personal touch and was indeed a rare privilege to be part of, she added.

And though they didn’t film scenes together, Kim did make a small appearance on And Just Like That.

 

As a devoted music enthusiast, it’s no secret that the legendary vocalists have been locked in a heated rivalry since 2004. Taking the stage at the Q Awards that year to receive the Classic Songwriter Award, I found myself in the unique position of hearing Elton John express his passionate sentiments quite vividly. He boldly declared to the audience, “Madonna, touted as the best live act? Absolutely not! Since when is lip-syncing considered live? I must apologize for my language, but I firmly believe that anyone who lip-syncs in public on stage, especially when fans pay around 75 quid to witness them, should be held accountable.

2008 saw a disagreement between the former star of “Grey’s Anatomy” and the show’s creator, as she opted not to be considered for Emmy Awards that year. She explained her decision by saying she didn’t feel the scripts provided material deserving of a nomination.

Later on, Shonda spoke candidly about Katherine’s choice during an interview with Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s Next Chapter in 2012. She expressed, “On one hand it hurt and on the other I wasn’t shocked. When people reveal their true nature to you, trust them. I try to live by that principle often. It has proven beneficial for me.”

During the New York Fashion Week, a high-profile argument between Nicki and Cardi caused quite a stir, taking place at the Harper’s Bazaar Icon party. A few weeks later, Cardi revealed the reason behind her disagreement with Nicki.

For some time, she’s been criticizing me quite frequently, as Cardi mentioned in the Art Issue of W magazine. However, we had a conversation twice previously, and reached an agreement. Yet, she continued with her criticism.

The significant moment that ignited the disagreement occurred when Cardi perceived that Nicki had apparently given a thumbs-up and subsequently un-endorsed a tweet criticizing Cardi’s parenting abilities. However, Nicki has refuted these claims.

Speaking as a lifestyle advocate, I found myself on the brink of amassing millions through my Bruno Mars tour. Yet, I chose to forgo this opportunity and remain steadfast with my precious daughter instead. My bond with her is unbreakable; I take pride in being an exceptional mother. To those who question the timing or the location of my decision, let me be clear: I wouldn’t dream of reprimanding another artist in a public setting like a grocery store or on the street. Every individual’s circumstances are different, and we must respect each other’s choices.

The conflict between Kanye and Taylor Swift initially arose back in 2009 during her MTV Video Music Awards acceptance speech, when Kanye (the rapper known for “Stronger”) interrupted her moment on stage. However, they eventually reconciled and even developed friendship over the years, but this relationship was severed again following the release of his song “Famous” in 2026, where he mentions Taylor Swift, famous for “End Game.

On the eve of the Grammys in February 2025, Kanye made an unexpected change on Instagram by following only Taylor. However, he chose to remain silent without adding any additional comments, and Taylor also chose not to publicly react to this action.

“I don’t know her.”

The conflict between Mariah and Jennifer Lopez has lasted for more than 15 years now. It began during an interview where Mariah, often called the Queen of Christmas, was asked to share her thoughts about various singers. When questioned about Jennifer, she simply stated, “I’ve never had the pleasure of knowing her.

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2025-09-10 05:47