Former co-host Rosie O’Donnell has opened up about a controversial conflict with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View, suggesting the fight was orchestrated by the producers. This explosive moment occurred during a May 2007 episode. O’Donnell discussed the altercation in a recent podcast appearance, stating it was a pre-planned event rather than a spontaneous confrontation.
Conflict Allegations on The View
During her appearance on the Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel podcast, O’Donnell claimed that former producer Bill Geddie, who passed away in 2023, had a hand in staging the argument. She remarked, “Our producer is not an on-the-fly kind of guy.” O’Donnell believes that the debate was intentionally set up to generate drama.
Heated Debate Over Iraq War
The 2007 episode featured a heated discussion among The View hosts regarding U.S. involvement in the Iraq War. O’Donnell confronted Hasselbeck for failing to support her amid media accusations of labeling American troops as “terrorists.”
- O’Donnell: “You are an adult, I am not here to explain your thoughts!”
- Hasselbeck: Responded emphatically during the clash.
- The episode included a split-screen format to amplify the tension.
Reflections on Their Relationship
O’Donnell expressed disappointment in Hasselbeck’s actions, particularly because she felt they had developed a genuine friendship. “I made a commitment to myself, that I was not going to be her enemy,” she shared. O’Donnell recounted moments of their camaraderie, such as playdates and attending events together.
Ongoing Feud After Their Departures
Despite leaving The View in 2015 and Hasselbeck’s exit in 2013, their feud persisted. In 2022, Hasselbeck returned as a guest co-host, prompting O’Donnell to take to TikTok and share her thoughts on the episode. She indicated that watching the show again reminded her of why she preferred not to engage with Hasselbeck.
Criticism of Presentation Style
O’Donnell specifically criticized Hasselbeck’s use of props, such as Post-it notes, during discussions. She expressed her discontent, saying, “Her little Post-it notes… I don’t know. Listen, it’s strange.”
In summary, the incident remains a notable chapter in the history of daytime television, showcasing the complexities of relationships and the potential for manipulation in media settings.
