• Comedian Rosie O’Donnell asked for prayers as her daughter Chelsea faces a “scary future” after probation revocation.
• Chelsea O’Donnell, 28, had her probation revoked October 22 and was sentenced to prison time.
• The mother of four violated probation terms amid sexual assault allegations and lack of progress in drug treatment.

LOS ANGELES (TDR) — Comedian and former talk show host Rosie O’Donnell made an emotional plea Wednesday for prayers as her daughter Chelsea O’Donnell faces prison time following a probation violation. The 63-year-old actress shared a throwback photo of Chelsea as a child on Instagram, expressing unconditional love despite her daughter’s struggles with addiction.

Emotional Instagram message

“My child chelsea belle – before addiction took over her life – i loved her then i love her now as she faces a scary future- prayers welcomed- #addiction awareness #love #family,” O’Donnell wrote in the caption. The post came one week after Chelsea, 28, had her probation revoked and was sentenced to prison on October 22, according to court documents from Marinette County, Wisconsin. In a written statement, O’Donnell said, “I have compassion for those struggling with addiction — chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. we continue to love and support her through these horrible times. prayers welcomed.”

Probation violations and sentencing

Chelsea received a six-year probation sentence in January after pleading guilty to charges stemming from three separate arrests in 2024. She pleaded guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine, one count of resisting or obstructing an officer and one count of bail jumping. Her original sentence included an 18-month prison term that was “stayed,” meaning she only had to face probation so long as she did not break the law during the six-year probation period. Court officials said she violated probation due to sexual assault allegations, though court records did not provide details. Officials also noted Chelsea had not made significant progress in the drug treatment program, leading to her termination from the program in September.

History of legal troubles

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Chelsea‘s legal troubles date back to September 2023, when police in Marinette County reported finding methamphetamine, pills and drug paraphernalia in her possession after responding to a disturbance call. A search of her home uncovered hypodermic needles, a scale and other items, according to the criminal complaint. In November 2024, she was arrested after police in Niagara, Wisconsin, pulled over a car for loud exhaust. Authorities recovered a “clear smoking device” on Chelsea‘s person with residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. At the time, Chelsea was out on bond for separate charges including child neglect and drug possession. After being taken to Marinette County Jail, a prescription pill bottle was also found in her possession containing pills and a crystal-like substance.

Probation conditions and family background

The conditions of Chelsea‘s probation included absolute sobriety, no possession of alcohol or controlled substances without a valid prescription, no contact with any known drug users or sellers and no possession of firearms. Judge James Morrison imposed but stayed prison and jail terms at sentencing, meaning she would serve those sentences only if she violated probation. O’Donnell adopted Chelsea at birth in 1997 with ex Kelli Carpenter. Chelsea is the second eldest of O’Donnell‘s five children and is herself a mother of four: daughters Skylar Rose, Riley and Avery Lynn, and son Atlas.

Mother’s ongoing support

O’Donnell has previously addressed her daughter’s struggles on social media. In December 2024, she confirmed Chelsea‘s arrest, writing on Instagram, “So yes this is true. After being bailed out by her birth mother—Chelsea was arrested again—and is facing many charges related to her drug addiction.” The Long Island native, who grew up in Commack, rose to fame as a stand-up comic before becoming an actress and television host. She recently relocated to Ireland, telling Us Weekly in April that she was happy with the choice.

Will increased public awareness of addiction struggles lead to better support systems for families facing similar challenges?

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