Rosie O’Donnell’s daughter, Chelsea Belle O’Donnell, 27, was sentenced to six years of probation after a series of back-to-back arrests on felony drug charges in Wisconsin. The sentencing, which took place on March 31, 2025, comes after months of legal proceedings stemming from three separate arrests between September and November of the previous year.
Chelsea’s initial arrest occurred on September 10, when she was charged with felony child neglect, methamphetamine possession, THC possession, and maintaining a drug house. After posting bail, Chelsea was arrested again on October 11 for felony bail jumping, possession of methamphetamine, and additional misdemeanor charges. A third arrest followed on November 18, when she faced further felony charges for drug possession and bail jumping.
Rosie O'Donnell
Appearing in court alongside attorney Brad Hansen, Chelsea pled guilty in February to three charges: felony bail jumping, resisting or obstructing an officer, and possession of methamphetamine. Additional misdemeanor charges were dismissed during the hearing.
The court sentenced Chelsea to a two-year probation term for each guilty charge, totaling six years. Should she violate the terms of her probation, she could face imprisonment. The terms of her probation are strict: Chelsea must maintain absolute sobriety, abstain from alcohol and controlled substances without a prescription, avoid all contact with known drug users or dealers, and cannot possess firearms.
In addition, Chelsea is required to obtain a high school diploma or GED and complete a comprehensive mental health evaluation. She must also comply with the Marinette County Drug Court program and continue adhering to the terms set forth in her previous cases, which were consolidated into the current sentencing.
The legal troubles have highlighted the ongoing challenges in Rosie and Chelsea’s relationship. The two have experienced a tumultuous mother-daughter dynamic over the years, with periods of estrangement and public disagreements. Rosie adopted Chelsea with her first wife, Kelli Carpenter, and their relationship became increasingly strained during Chelsea's teenage years and adulthood.
Rosie, currently living in Ireland with her 12-year-old son Clay, responded publicly to Chelsea's arrest via social media. On December 3, she acknowledged Chelsea’s third arrest and noted that her daughter had been bailed out by her birth mother, Deanna Micoley. In a candid post, Rosie expressed hope that Chelsea would receive the help she needs and referenced her daughter’s long-standing battle with addiction, calling it a “deadly disease.”
Chelsea Belle O'Donnell,
During Chelsea’s November arrest, she was found in a vehicle with a loud exhaust system that drew police attention. Officers noticed pick marks on her face and conducted a search. Legal documents indicate Chelsea did not have identification but provided her name and birthdate. A K9 unit detected narcotics, and officers discovered drug paraphernalia on her person, including a pipe that later tested positive for methamphetamine.
Further searches revealed a hidden prescription bottle containing a combination of hydrocodone, lamotrigine, and alprazolam, as well as a bag with a crystal-like substance. This resulted in additional felony charges for meth and narcotics possession, along with misdemeanor charges for resisting arrest and drug paraphernalia.
In an interview with DailyMail.com, Chelsea expressed frustration with her mother’s lack of involvement in her legal situation. She shared that Rosie declined to bail her out, stating, “You belong in there,” and expressing concern over being responsible if Chelsea were to harm herself.
Chelsea voiced disappointment that Rosie was more publicly invested in advocating for the release of the Menendez brothers than supporting her daughter’s recovery. She also emphasized the impact of being separated from her children and the desire to spend time with them should she be incarcerated in the future.
Rosie O'Donnell and Estranged Daughter Chelsea
Chelsea is a mother to four children. Court documents state she is permitted supervised visitation with her children, supervised by Vicki Bourassa, the mother of Chelsea’s ex and father of three of her children. Her youngest child, Atlas, is with current partner Jacob Nelund.
Court stipulations required Chelsea to remain sober, avoid all illegal substances, and follow drug court mandates. With the conclusion of her court case, Chelsea now begins a lengthy probation period with the opportunity to turn her life around under strict supervision.
While her legal case has concluded, Chelsea’s path to recovery is ongoing. With the court-ordered requirements for sobriety, education, and mental health evaluation, she has the opportunity to rebuild her life. Her journey highlights the deep struggles of addiction and the difficult family dynamics that often accompany it.
Chelsea’s story is a stark reminder of how substance abuse can impact not only the individual but the entire family. It reflects the importance of access to mental health care, community support, and consistent accountability. For those dealing with addiction or watching a loved one battle it, seeking help early can be life-changing. If you or someone you love is facing similar challenges, reach out to addiction support hotlines, local rehab centers, or mental health services.
Keywords: Chelsea O’Donnell, Rosie O’Donnell daughter, drug arrest, probation, meth possession, child neglect, family addiction, drug court, mental health, celebrity news.
Q: Why was Chelsea O’Donnell arrested?
A: She was arrested on multiple felony charges including methamphetamine possession, child neglect, and bail jumping across three separate incidents.
Q: What was Chelsea O'Donnell's sentence?
A: She received six years of probation for three felony charges and must follow strict terms or face prison time.
Q: Are Rosie and Chelsea O'Donnell on good terms?
A: The mother and daughter have had an estranged relationship, with Rosie reportedly taking a tough love approach during Chelsea’s legal issues.
Q: How many children does Chelsea O'Donnell have?
A: Chelsea has four children and is allowed supervised visitation with them under court orders.
Q: Is Rosie O'Donnell involved in Chelsea's recovery?
A: Rosie has expressed hope that Chelsea will seek help but has maintained a distant role, emphasizing Chelsea's responsibility for her actions.
