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Rosie O’Donnell Reflects on Life, Friendship with Lyle Menendez, and New Documentary
Comedienne Rosie O’Donnell, aged 63, has recently opened up about her life journey and her unexpected bond with Lyle Menendez, 57, one of the brothers convicted in the notorious 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. O’Donnell shared details of this connection, along with her upcoming documentary, and her move to Ireland, revealing personal reflections in a recent interview.
Developing a Bond with Lyle Menendez
O’Donnell recounted how her correspondence with Lyle Menendez began. “He initiated regular calls through the prison’s tablet communication system,” she told The New York Times on Saturday. “He would share aspects of his life, detailing his experiences within the correctional facility. For the first time, I felt secure enough to trust, be vulnerable, and express affection towards a heterosexual man.”
Past Support and Shared Experiences
Lyle and Erik Menendez received life sentences without parole in 1994. Years prior, in 1996, O’Donnell publicly voiced her opinion on “Larry King Live,” stating her belief in the brothers’ claims of childhood abuse and molestation at the hands of their father. She suggested their actions were a form of self-preservation.
Following this television appearance, O’Donnell received correspondence from Lyle Menendez. He expressed gratitude for her support and conveyed his conviction that she inherently understood the veracity of his statements, drawing from her personal experiences.
Personal Revelations of Abuse
O’Donnell disclosed to the publication that she herself had encountered similar trauma, alleging that “she and her siblings endured molestation by their father.”
“At that juncture, I had not addressed this aspect of my family history or personal therapy,” O’Donnell admitted. Initially, she did not respond to Lyle’s letter.
Reconnection Triggered by Renewed Interest
It wasn’t until 2022, when the Menendez case experienced a resurgence of public interest on platforms like TikTok following a documentary release, that O’Donnell re-established contact. She explained that Rebecca Sneed, Lyle Menendez’s wife, reached out to inquire about O’Donnell’s potential interest in communicating with him.
Since then, the two have maintained consistent communication, marked by lengthy phone conversations, with their initial call exceeding three hours.
Initial Concerns and Prison Visits
O’Donnell acknowledged that her association with Menendez initially raised eyebrows among her social circle. Dismissing concerns about “him being a murderer,” she proceeded to visit Lyle in prison.
The “America” actress informed The Times about her intensive visits, “spending two weeks commuting daily to the correctional institution.”
Service Dog Program and Impact on Son
Lyle Menendez also influenced O’Donnell to acquire a service dog for her son, Clay, through a prison initiative he was involved in. This program involves inmates training dogs to become companions for disabled veterans and children with autism.
Clay was matched with a Labrador mix, trained by an individual incarcerated for armed robbery.
“I immediately observed a positive change in Clay,” O’Donnell remarked regarding her son’s relationship with the dog. “I was astounded to discover the truth in the numerous accounts I had heard from other mothers of autistic children.”
Documentary on Service Dogs for Autism
Inspired by this experience, O’Donnell chose to highlight this impactful program. She is producing a documentary titled “Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Autism,” scheduled to premiere on Hulu on April 22. This documentary aims to bring awareness to the benefits of service dogs for children with autism and the unique prison program.
Move to Ireland Post-Election
O’Donnell’s documentary project coincides with her relocation to Ireland following Donald Trump’s presidential victory.
“It has been genuinely delightful, I must say. The populace is incredibly warm and generous, so welcoming. And I am deeply appreciative,” she expressed in a March TikTok update.
Pursuing Irish Citizenship
O’Donnell shared with viewers that she is “actively pursuing” Irish citizenship, stemming from her grandparents’ Irish heritage.
“I never envisioned myself moving to another nation, yet I determined it would be the optimal choice for myself and my 12-year-old child. And here we are,” she explained.
“You know, I am content. Clay is content. I miss my other children. I miss my friends. I miss numerous aspects of life back home, and I am endeavoring to establish a home here in this beautiful country. When equality is assured for all citizens in America, then we will contemplate returning.”
Menendez Brothers Seek Resentencing
Meanwhile, Lyle and Erik Menendez remain incarcerated in the United States but are currently seeking a resentencing.
After three decades in prison, a court decision regarding resentencing is anticipated following hearings held on April 17 and 18.
Family members of Lyle and Erik attended the courthouse on Friday to demonstrate their support and advocate for their release.
“Erik and Lyle have accepted complete accountability for their actions, and for decades, they have consistently demonstrated their understanding through their actions, not merely words,” their cousin Anamaria Baralt conveyed to reporters after the hearing.
During the proceedings, prosecutors asserted that the brothers have never confessed to their “deceptions” and have displayed no genuine remorse for their crimes.
Baralt refuted these assertions as “categorically untrue.”
“I am baffled as to why [prosecutors] persist in repeating that. It is simply not accurate,” she added.