Rosie O’Donnell Admits She Sometimes Rewatches Her Infamous “View” Fight with Elisabeth Hasselbeck 19 Years Later (Exclusive)

Rosie O’Donnell Reflects on Infamous On-Air Feud with Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Rosie O’Donnell has opened up about her tumultuous relationship with fellow co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck during their time on the talk show “The View”, describing their infamous on-air confrontation as a “setup” orchestrated by producers. The 64-year-old television personality is currently performing her one-woman show, “Common Knowledge”, at the Daryl Roth Theatre in New York City, where she delves into various aspects of her life, including her career and political views.

During a recent interview, O’Donnell was grilled on her experiences as a co-host on “The View,” specifically regarding her friendships with her colleagues. When asked about her most and least favourite co-host, she didn’t hesitate to mention Hasselbeck. “It’s well-known that Elisabeth and I had a rocky end to our friendship,” O’Donnell remarked. “I would say that relationship was the most problematic. However, we got along well up until the very end, when it exploded live on television.”

The heated argument between O’Donnell and Hasselbeck in 2007 is still remembered as one of the most memorable moments in the history of daytime television. Their disagreement about the Iraq War escalated dramatically, and the pair found themselves embroiled in a split-screen battle that captivated viewers. O’Donnell admits she occasionally revisits the footage as a way to reflect on the moment and her feelings at the time. “Sometimes I watch it and think, ‘Let me try to remember what this felt like,’” she said.

O’Donnell also reflected on another emotional moment from her past, recalling an experience with her idol, Barbra Streisand. “I can’t really watch the episode with Barbra; it still makes me cry,” she shared. This sentiment highlights not only O’Donnell’s affection for Streisand but also her connection to the powerful moments that have defined her career.

In regards to her relationship with other co-hosts on “The View”, O’Donnell named Joy Behar as her all-time favourite. The two women have built a strong bond over the years, with O’Donnell reminiscing about their time together in stand-up comedy. “Joy and I have had a long-standing friendship, and she used to affectionately call me ‘Little One’ during my twenties,” she said. This fondness for Behar contrasted sharply with her turbulent interactions with Hasselbeck.

The past dispute continues to resonate with fans, and both women have spoken on the matter on multiple occasions. In an interview last October, O’Donnell revealed that their split-screen confrontation was not spontaneous, as she believes it was carefully planned by the show’s producers. “Our producer wasn’t the type to go with the flow. The entire thing felt premeditated to me,” O’Donnell explained. In response, Hasselbeck expressed her disappointment through social media, stating her disagreement with O’Donnell’s claims.

Looking ahead, O’Donnell hinted at a potential return to “The View” for its upcoming 30th anniversary, albeit in a more limited capacity. “Ana Navarro mentioned it during her podcast, and I would consider coming back as a guest,” she noted. O’Donnell, however, made it clear that she is not particularly keen on engaging in political debates. “It’s not the best use of my time or talent to argue about politics as a form of entertainment,” she said.

Despite her reservations about political discourse on television, O’Donnell remains passionate about her country. “I am a very patriotic American. I love this country,” she stated. Her dedication to her beliefs shines through her artistic endeavours, including her current show, which covers a range of topics and showcases her humour and relatable storytelling.

Rosie O’Donnell’s candid reflections on her past experiences with “The View” serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics that can arise in the world of daytime television. With her characteristic wit and openness, O’Donnell continues to engage audiences, inviting them into her narrative while navigating the challenges of celebrity and public life.