Elisabeth Hasselbeck Responds to Rosie O’Donnell’s Claims of ‘Setup’ Over 2007 Feud

In a deeply emotional and public plea, former The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck has tearfully addressed Rosie O’Donnell’s recent allegations. O’Donnell claimed that their infamous 2007 on-air argument was a “setup.” Hasselbeck, visibly distressed in a series of since-expired Instagram Stories, implored O’Donnell to “stop the madness” and “stop the lying.” She extended an offer of forgiveness and a genuine invitation for a face-to-face reconciliation.

The rekindled dispute throws a spotlight back on one of daytime television’s most memorable and contentious moments. The 2007 argument reignites a nearly two-decade-old feud. O’Donnell’s claims, made during an appearance on an Australian radio show, inject new life into the narrative. Hasselbeck’s impassioned response draws renewed attention to the complex dynamics that characterized their time together on The View.

A Decades-Long Feud Rekindled

The latest chapter in the long-standing tension between Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Rosie O’Donnell unfolded when O’Donnell, now 63, appeared on the Australian radio show Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel. During the interview, O’Donnell revisited the explosive May 2007 split-screen confrontation. She asserted that the incident was a “setup” orchestrated by the show’s production. This accusation struck a raw nerve with Hasselbeck, 48, who quickly took to social media to refute the claims.

Hasselbeck’s Instagram Stories, captured and shared by several entertainment outlets before their expiration, showed her visibly upset. She spoke directly to O’Donnell, defending her integrity. She urged O’Donnell to cease spreading what she considers falsehoods and seek a path to peace. The confrontation, nearly two decades in the making, highlights the deep personal impact of their shared history.

The Infamous 2007 Confrontation on ‘The View’

To understand the depth of the current friction, one must revisit the original catalyst: the heated exchange that aired on The View on May 23, 2007. The segment, which quickly escalated into a 10-minute split-screen shoutfest, saw O’Donnell accuse Hasselbeck of failing to defend her. This happened amid conservative media criticism regarding her anti-war sentiments. O’Donnell, known for her outspoken progressive views, felt targeted. She believed Hasselbeck, then the show’s lone conservative voice, should have offered solidarity.

Hasselbeck, for her part, maintained her ground. This led to a fiery debate about patriotism, loyalty, and political differences. The intensity of the argument left the audience stunned. Just two days after the segment aired, ABC announced that O’Donnell had requested to be released from her contract. This marked the abrupt end to her initial eight-month stint on the show. The incident became a defining moment in The View‘s history.

Rosie O’Donnell’s ‘Setup’ Allegations

Nearly two decades later, Rosie O’Donnell’s recent comments offer a new interpretation of the 2007 confrontation. Speaking on the Australian radio show, O’Donnell expressed her belief that the entire argument was orchestrated. She claimed it was not a spontaneous eruption of emotion but a setup. “The whole thing, I think, was a setup,” she stated, pointing to the show’s co-creator, the late Bill Geddie.

O’Donnell also recounted her extensive efforts to forge a friendship with Hasselbeck. She recalled personal anecdotes: “She came to my house, she swam in my pool, she brought her little kid, I took her kid to see Sesame Street Live.” O’Donnell felt betrayed when, despite these efforts, Hasselbeck questioned her patriotism on national television. She likened the experience to being “on a basketball team of five women and one of them kept tripping me on my way to the hoop.”

Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s Tearful Plea and Forgiveness

Hasselbeck’s response to O’Donnell’s recent comments was immediate and deeply personal. She vehemently denied the “setup” claims and pleaded for an end to what she perceived as a campaign of “lies and hate.”

‘Stop the Lying, Stop the Madness’

In her emotional address, Hasselbeck implored O’Donnell, “Stop the madness, stop the lying, and just be free.” She added a powerful message of forgiveness: “And even maybe if you don’t stop, I still forgive you. And it can just be so much more free, Rosie, if you can just stop.” Hasselbeck expressed profound concern for O’Donnell’s well-being. She said, “I really hope that you can be released from whatever this is that’s causing you to cause such harm.”

Hasselbeck contrasted her relationship with O’Donnell with her friendship with fellow The View alum Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg, she explained, “doesn’t want me to think how she thinks.” This distinction highlighted Hasselbeck’s feeling that O’Donnell consistently sought to “spread lies and hate” and attack her for differing viewpoints.

Attempts at Reconciliation and a Call for Peace

Beyond refuting the allegations, Hasselbeck revealed her past attempts to mend their fractured relationship. She claimed she “tried to call” O’Donnell multiple times after their 2007 spat. Even ABC had made her “call and apologize,” but these attempts went unanswered. Hasselbeck believed O’Donnell “don’t want repair.”

In her most recent plea, Hasselbeck extended an olive branch, inviting O’Donnell to a private dialogue. “If you want to get together and talk, let’s do it,” she offered. “Come over and swim in my pool, come take a couple laps, come back to America and enjoy your nation.” She added, “We can have an open free dialogue about what we disagree on. I’ll make you dinner, what do you want to stop the bullying?” Her heartfelt message concluded with a spiritual note: “In Jesus’ name I pray the lies held over you are released.”

The Lingering Aftermath and ‘The View’ Legacy

The 2007 argument not only led to O’Donnell’s departure but also cast a long shadow over both women’s careers. While O’Donnell briefly returned to The View in 2014, the underlying tensions with Hasselbeck remained a topic of public fascination. The incident became a quintessential example of the show’s capacity to reflect real-world political and personal divisions.

The ongoing public discourse between O’Donnell and Hasselbeck highlights the enduring impact of their time on The View. Their conflict became a symbol of the line between passionate discussion and personal antagonism.

A History of Disagreement and Deep Personal Investment

The dynamic between O’Donnell and Hasselbeck was complex from the start. O’Donnell, a self-proclaimed liberal, and Hasselbeck, a staunch conservative, often found themselves on opposite sides of the political spectrum. The intensity of their personal interactions transcended mere political debate. O’Donnell’s recollection of trying to build a rapport with Hasselbeck, only to feel attacked on air, underscores a sense of personal betrayal that goes beyond ideological differences.

Hasselbeck’s defense of her patriotism, combined with her willingness to forgive, suggests a desire to move past the lingering animosity. Her invocation of faith indicates a profound personal and spiritual response, beyond a simple rebuttal of claims.

Seeking Resolution in the Public Eye

As the public feud between Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Rosie O’Donnell continues to unfold, both women find themselves in the glare of the spotlight. Hasselbeck’s heartfelt response, coupled with O’Donnell’s unyielding belief in a “setup,” leaves the resolution of their disagreement uncertain.

With Hasselbeck openly inviting a private conversation and O’Donnell’s representatives declining to comment, the ball appears to be in O’Donnell’s court. Whether they will reconcile or if their 2007 spat remains an open wound is yet to be seen. For now, the public watches, captivated by the raw emotions and complex history defining the relationship between these two iconic figures from The View.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s recent public response?
Rosie O’Donnell’s claims on an Australian radio show that their 2007 ‘The View’ argument was a “setup.”

What did Rosie O’Donnell allege about the 2007 ‘The View’ confrontation?
She asserted that the entire May 2007 split-screen incident was “prepared” and a calculated “setup” by the show’s production.

How did Elisabeth Hasselbeck react to O’Donnell’s “setup” claims?
She tearfully denied them on Instagram, pleading with O’Donnell to “stop the madness” and “stop the lying,” while extending forgiveness.

What was the central point of contention in the 2007 ‘The View’ argument?
O’Donnell accused Hasselbeck of failing to defend her against conservative media criticism regarding her anti-war sentiments.

Did Elisabeth Hasselbeck try to reconcile with Rosie O’Donnell previously?
Yes, she claimed to have called O’Donnell multiple times after their 2007 spat and was made to apologize by ABC.

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Stay updated with Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Rosie O’Donnell by following their official social media channels:

• Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Instagram
• Rosie O’Donnell: Instagram | X (Twitter)