Who is Chelsea O’Donnell? All about Rosie O’Donnell’s daughter after probation sentencing

Chelsea O'Donnell is the adopted child of comedian Rosie O'Donnell, who recently gained media attention through legal issues and personal problems. On March 31, 2025, she was sentenced to six years of probation when she pleaded guilty to several counts of felony charges, such as resisting or obstructing an officer, felony bail jumping, and possession of methamphetamine.

Her legal issues are the culmination of a series of arrests between September and December of 2024, in parallel with her long battle with drug addiction and encounters with the police. Adding to the controversy, Chelsea was also accused of child neglect when authorities discovered her toddler living in hazardous conditions with drug paraphernalia littering the area around the house.

This incident, coupled with her past history of substance abuse and past encounters with the law, has brought Chelsea's personal life into the limelight.

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Probation and conditions

During a hearing held Monday in Oconto County, Wisconsin, the 27-year-old was given a sentence of six years probation. If the probation is broken, she could be imprisoned.

Chelsea's probationary sentence is as a part of a plea bargain in which Chelsea entered a plea of guilty to a series of charges, including felony possession of methamphetamine. In exchange, several of the misdemeanor charges were dismissed, including possession of drug paraphernalia.

As part of her probation, Chelsea has to remain sober, complete high school or acquire a GED, and receive a mental health evaluation. The court also instructed her to avoid known drug users and drug use. They are written to help her regain control of her life and avoid future legal issues.

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Child neglect and unsafe living situation

Chelsea stood accused of endangering a child when she was found with her 11-month-old son in a hazardous environment. The child was discovered lying close to drug equipment, which prompted an investigation into their living conditions.

This episode raised tough questions regarding whether Chelsea deserved to be a mother to her child, particularly after her constant legal battles. Child neglect only added complexity to her case as Chelsea struggles to earn a living to care for her son.

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Background and family life

Chelsea's situation with Rosie O'Donnell has been subjected to criticism publicly over the years, with periodic estrangement followed by reconciliation. Chelsea was missing in 2015 and went on to reveal that she was residing with a friend in New Jersey. She later got reunited with her biological mom, Deanna Micoley, and moved to Wisconsin.

Despite issues that Rosie has had with Chelsea, she has always demonstrated her support and understanding of the plight that she has faced. Rosie has also been honest about the pressure Chelsea's issues have placed on their family but remains hopeful her daughter will eventually discover a path to recovery.

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Addiction struggles and legal issues

People Magazine states that Chelsea has struggled with addiction for decades, and those struggles have been the source of much of her legal trouble. Her arrests in 2024 and the dangerous conditions where she lived found during one of the arrests depict how hard she is struggling.

Chelsea's history of drug abuse has contributed to several legal missteps, and the probation sentence is seen as an attempt to give her the structure and guidance that she requires for healing. Her legal problems also raise more general issues about how addiction affects families, especially where children are involved.

Also read: What did Chelsea O'Donnell do? Rosie O'Donnell speaks out after daughter's arrest in Wisconsin