NEED TO KNOW
- Rosie O’Donnell is asking for “prayers” for her daughter Chelsea after she was sentenced to prison
- The comedian said her daughter faces a “scary future” after her sentencing
- According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Chelsea had her probation revoked and was sentenced to prison on Wednesday, Oct. 22
Rosie O’Donnell is asking for support during a trying time.
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the actress shared a much younger photo of her daughter Chelsea, now 28, on her Instagram as she asked her followers for “prayers.” In the picture, Chelsea could be seen at an event, wearing a pink and red striped turtleneck underneath a pink sweater.
“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 her caption.
O’Donnell’s plea for support comes after Chelsea had her probation revoked and was sentenced to prison time on Oct. 22, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Program did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
In a statement to PEOPLE, O’Donnell shares, “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.”
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Chelsea, who was adopted by the comedian as a baby, was arrested three times between September and December 2024 in Wisconsin, beginning with a Sept. 10 arrest on multiple felony charges, including neglecting a child and possession of methamphetamine.
She posted bail and was released, only to be arrested again a month later on several more felony counts, including bail jumping, resisting or obstructing an officer, and possession of methamphetamine.
That November, Chelsea was arrested for a third time on similar felony counts — possession of methamphetamine, bail jumping and possession of narcotic drugs — and appeared in court in Wisconsin on March 31 related to the charges.
Chelsea appeared in court for sentencing on the three felony counts she pled guilty to in February — resisting or obstructing an officer, felony bail jumping and possession of methamphetamine.
Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
That same day, her misdemeanor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotic drugs were both dismissed. She was sentenced to six years probation on March 31, a two-year sentence for each of the three guilty counts. At the time, she was told she could face prison time should she violate any of the probation requirements.
The conditions of the mom of four‘s probation included absolute sobriety, no possession of alcohol or another controlled substance without a valid prescription, no contact with any known drug users or sellers and no possession or ownership of any firearm.
Chelsea is a mom of four: she welcomed daughter Skylar Rose in December 2018; daughter Riley in January 2021; daughter Avery Lynn in February 2022; and son Atlas in October 2023.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.