Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Rosie O'Donnell spoke out about the onslaught of criticism lodged at her following remarks she made about Lindsay Lohan during a "Today" show appearance earlier this week.
On Tuesday's "Today" show, host Matt Lauer asked O'Donnell to share her thoughts on Lohan playing Elizabeth Taylor in an upcoming Lifetime movie. O'Donnell said that she felt "very sorry" for Lohan and that she "needs a lot of help." O'Donnell added that "she's had a lot of trouble doing every single movie" and "is not in a place to work."
O'Donnell's comments created a firestorm online. Lohan responded to O'Donnell's remarks later that day. She said O'Donnell's comments were "so intrusive" and suggested the former talk show host form her opinions when "she meets someone face to face."
On Wednesday, O'Donnell responded to Lohan's statement and said that she has met her. "I did meet her when she was young and doing 'The Parent Trap,'" O'Donnell said. "Such a beautiful talented kid...and then we've all seen what's happened in the past decade and it's tragic."
O'Donnell compared Lohan's struggles over the past number of years to Whitney Houston's struggles with addiction. She said,
"I'm 50 years old. Watching Whitney Houston's funeral I remember thinking, why didn't more people say what they knew? We all knew. When she would not show up to do this show, or not show up to do my show—we all knew. We watched 'Being Bobby Brown' it was like watching 'Sid and Nancy'. They were people in the throes of addiction. But all anyone cared about that the show was getting ratings—not that this woman, this talented individual, this mother, this daughter—was worth saving and pulling out of the money market industry. And I know only someone can be in control of their own sobriety, but to look at Lindsay Lohan, you can't help but feel for her. And I do not think she's untalented. I think she's quite talented."
Related
Before You Go
