Rosie O’Donnell has surprised many by sharing her connection with Lyle Menendez, one of the brothers known for the high-profile case involving their parents’ deaths.
While their friendship might seem unusual, Rosie explained how it came to be — and how it changed her.
It Started with a Letter
Back in the 1990s, Rosie spoke publicly about the Menendez brothers.
She said she believed they might have acted out of fear and pain from being hurt at home.
After she said this on TV, Lyle Menendez sent her a letter. He thanked her for understanding.
At the time, Rosie never wrote back.
She wasn’t ready to talk about things from her own past. She said she was still healing and couldn’t face it yet.
A Call That Changed Everything
Years later, Rosie watched a documentary about the Menendez case.
She shared her thoughts online, which caught the attention of Lyle’s wife.
Soon after, Rosie and Lyle spoke on the phone for the first time.
Their first call lasted three hours. Rosie said it felt natural and safe. Since then, they’ve kept in touch and talked many times.
Feeling Safe for the First Time
Rosie has said that she’s never felt safe enough to fully trust or love a straight man — until she met Lyle.
Talking to him helped her feel something new. She felt calm, accepted, and free to be herself.
This emotional connection helped her grow and heal parts of herself she had hidden for years.
More Than Just a Friendship
Their friendship has also led Rosie to support positive prison programs.
One program pairs inmates with dogs to help both heal.
Rosie was so moved by it that she adopted a service dog for her son, who has autism.
She even made a short film to share the impact this program had on them.
A Fresh Start in a New Place
In early 2025, Rosie moved to Ireland with her son.
She wanted a quieter and safer life.
She also said she hopes to return to the U.S. one day — when everyone is treated equally and fairly.
Rosie and Lyle’s connection started with shared pain, but it turned into something meaningful.
It’s a reminder that healing can come from unexpected places — and that real friendship can help us feel safe, seen, and strong.