Rosie O’Donnell Discusses Ireland, Trump, and Her New Hulu Documentary

Rosie O’Donnell’s New Life in Ireland and Her Ongoing Feuds

Rosie O’Donnell, the well-known actress and comedian, has been living in Dublin since mid-January, following through on her promise to move abroad if Donald Trump was re-elected. The 61-year-old star, who spoke over a video call from her rented place adorned with an unexpected cello, shared insights about her life transition during a Thursday morning conversation.

In a world where celebrities have often threatened to leave the United States if Trump won elections, O’Donnell was one who made good on her word. "I never thought he would win again," she remarked, reflecting on her sentiments during the 2020 election season when she observed the widespread support for Kamala Harris in places like Pennsylvania and Michigan. With her therapist’s guidance, O’Donnell created a plan that culminated in her current life in Ireland.

However, her move comes with its own apprehensions. O’Donnell applied for Irish citizenship but is yet to receive approval. Until then, she and her youngest child, Clay—who identifies as autistic and nonbinary—are technically still visitors in the country. "I’m cautious about sharing too much with reporters," she stated, expressing her concerns regarding how her remarks might impact her citizenship status.

Despite these concerns, O’Donnell expresses excitement about promoting her latest project: a documentary titled “Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Autism.” This documentary dives into a program that trains service dogs by utilizing incarcerated individuals. O’Donnell has recently appeared on “The Late Late Show,” discussing her new life in Ireland while also hurling jabs at Trump, hinting she might remain in Ireland for the long haul.

Her work on the documentary was partly motivated by her unlikely friendship with Lyle Menendez, notorious for the murder of his parents alongside his brother. O’Donnell’s connection to Menendez unfolded when she expressed her belief on “Larry King Live” that he and his brother were victims of longstanding abuse, leading to their tragic actions. After receiving a heartfelt letter from Menendez, their friendship blossomed, and she began visiting him in prison, where they discussed topics ranging from personal struggles to her son’s needs.

In her pursuit to provide better support for Clay, O’Donnell learned about a prison-run service dog training program from Menendez. Although apprehensive at first about taking a service dog, she ultimately received a Labrador mix named Kuma, who bonded well with Clay and brought positive changes to his behavior. Mentioning the impact Kuma had made, O’Donnell remarked how the dog transformed her son’s interactions, affirming that the assistance from the service dog was profound.

O’Donnell’s journey to understanding and compassion extends beyond Menendez. She has built connections with others viewed as controversial figures, reflecting her tendency to see the good in those branded as outcasts. Her friendships span from Lynndie England, involved in the Abu Ghraib scandal, to Reality Winner, a whistleblower who leaked classified information—highlighting her unique perspective on justice and humanity.

Though her life in Ireland has been largely positive, she acknowledges the challenges presented by her past associations, particularly with Trump. Their decade-long feud, igniting on “The View,” has shaped much of her public persona. O’Donnell recalls the early interactions that escalated into Trump’s infamous jabs against her, which included disparaging comments about her appearance. As their tensions rose, she remained vocal about her discontent with his politics, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her beliefs.

Despite her contentious relationship with Trump, O’Donnell is not entirely engulfed in negativity. Reflecting on her heritage, she finds solace in her Irish roots, expressing a sense of belonging in Ireland. "I see reflections of myself in this country everywhere I look," she confided, describing the warmth and friendliness of the Irish people. Yet, she recounted an uncomfortable incident when Trump mocked her in front of the Irish Prime Minister, underscoring that her feud with him continues to spill into her life, even abroad.

In an age where celebrity gossip can overshadow serious conversations, O’Donnell’s story provides a multifaceted look at resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of identity amidst political turmoil. As she continues to share her life and work through her documentary, she remains a figure unafraid to navigate complex relationships and societal challenges, finding hope even in the most unexpected of places.