Rosie O’Donnell’s Daughter Chelsea Sent to Prison After Violating Probation in Wisconsin Drug Cases
MARINETTE, WISCONSIN — Chelsea O’Donnell, the daughter of comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell, has been sentenced to prison after her probation was revoked in connection with multiple drug-related charges in Wisconsin, according to state court records.
Court filings show that O’Donnell’s probation was officially revoked on October 22, resulting in her being ordered to serve prison time for offenses linked to drug possession and bail violations in Marinette and Oconto Counties.
Probation Revoked After Multiple Convictions
Earlier this year, Chelsea O’Donnell, 27, faced separate criminal cases in both counties. In January 2025, she pleaded guilty in Marinette County to drug possession and bail jumping, while in March 2025, she entered guilty pleas in Oconto County to possession of methamphetamine, felony bail jumping, and resisting or obstructing an officer.
At the time, she was sentenced to probation on both cases — with the understanding that any violation of her supervision conditions could send her to prison.
According to Wisconsin court documents, O’Donnell’s probation was revoked earlier this month following reported violations, and a judge subsequently imposed a prison sentence in her Marinette County case. Details about the length of her prison term have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Rosie O’Donnell Speaks Out After Sentencing
Chelsea’s mother, Rosie O’Donnell, recently acknowledged her daughter’s situation on Instagram, sharing a brief message of concern and reflection. Rosie, 62, has been largely living abroad in Ireland, where she relocated earlier this year amid what she called growing disillusionment with the political climate in the United States.
In a TikTok video, Rosie said she officially left the U.S. on January 15, moving with her 12-year-old child, Clay, to start a new chapter overseas. The comedian also revealed she is currently in the process of applying for Irish citizenship, noting her grandparents were born there.
Background on Chelsea O’Donnell’s Legal Troubles
Chelsea, who gained public attention years ago when she briefly went missing as a teenager in 2015, has faced legal challenges in recent years related to substance use and probation compliance.
Her criminal record in Wisconsin includes charges of methamphetamine possession, bail jumping, and obstructing law enforcement, which resulted in probationary sentences that were meant to help her rehabilitate outside of prison.
However, according to state officials, repeated violations of her supervision conditions prompted the revocation that ultimately sent her to prison this month.
Next Steps and Custody Status
Court records from both Marinette County and Oconto County indicate that Chelsea O’Donnell remains in state custody. Additional sentencing actions related to her Oconto County case could still follow, depending on recommendations from probation authorities.
As of this week, neither Rosie O’Donnell nor her daughter’s legal team have issued a formal public statement beyond the comedian’s brief Instagram mention.
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