Rosie O’Donnell Describes Ellen DeGeneres’ “We’re Not Friends” Remark as One of Her Most Painful Moments

9 September 2025

Rosie O'Donnell (left); Ellen DeGeneres. Credit : Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty; NINA PROMMER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

On the No Filter with Kate Langbroek podcast, Rosie O’Donnell spoke with raw emotion about the heartbreaking end of her decades-long friendship with Ellen DeGeneres a split she still struggles to make sense of. She revealed that when Ellen declared on Larry King Live in 2004 that she “didn’t know Rosie,” it was a moment of betrayal unmatched in her career or personal life. O’Donnell recalled it as “one of the most painful things that ever happened,” especially after years of support, laughter, and in Rosie's eyes, unwavering friendship.

Rosie took DeGeneres’ reaction personally, pointing out the painful irony: in 1997, when Ellen came out on Ellen, Rosie stood by her side. She invited Ellen onto her own show immediately, using her platform to show support during a vulnerable time. To hear that same woman deny knowing her publicly felt like a cruel erasure.

The pain ran deep. Rosie shared that she even ordered T-shirts for her staff emblazoned with Ellen’s quote: “I don’t know Rosie. We’re not friends,” turned the words into a symbol of that fracture. Despite years passing, she said the wound has never fully healed.

In 2022, O’Donnell revisited the story on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Afterward, Ellen reached out with an apology writing that she didn’t remember saying it. But for Rosie, that was not enough. The apology may have been offered, but trust had been broken.

Interestingly, their friendship caught the public eye again in early 2025. Both have left the U.S. Rosie to find refuge and safety in Ireland, and Ellen to the U.K. Following a shocking social media outburst from Donald Trump threatening to revoke Rosie’s citizenship, Ellen publicly showed support with an Instagram post saying “Good for you,” signaling respect and solidarity despite the tension in their relationship.

For Rosie, the split isn’t about publicity it’s about accountability and respect. She continues to talk about it, not for drama, but because their lives and careers have long been intertwined. As she put it, “I don’t rehash it for pleasure; our careers run parallel.” The emotional gravity of that moment, she said, shaped how she viewed not just Ellen, but trust in general.

Perhaps what makes this story so affecting is how relatable it feels. These are two accomplished women whose public and private lives intersected profoundly only for a seemingly throwaway moment to irreparably change their bond. O’Donnell’s willingness to share this with such candor reminds us that even in fame, hurt echoes, and we all carry the scars of broken friendships.