Rosie O'Donnell is the first one to jump from that sinking ship that is ABC's The View. While things between her and Whoopi Goldberg have gone from cordial to screaming matches backstage in just a few short months, apparently her crumbling home life also directly played a part in O'Donnell's decision to leave the show. It has been confirmed that she split from Michelle Rounds, her wife of three years, last November and she is choosing to put her kids first right now.
Page Six was the first to report that O'Donnell will be leaving the weekday chatfest after this week and ABC News issued a supportive statement that read in part:
Rosie is an immensely talented star who comes in each and every morning brimming with ideas, excitement and passion for the show. When she told us that she wanted to exit The View, we respected and understood her desire to put her well-being and her family first. We're delighted she's still part of the ABC family with upcoming guest appearances on The Fosters. And we know she'll return to The View often with her unique point of view and updates on her work and her family.
O'Donnell was reportedly threatening to quit just weeks after returning to the round table discussion last September. She and Goldberg are nearly always on opposite sides of major issues and that has caused an enormous amount of tension on set and behind the scenes. This is just another hit for the struggling show. The View has tried everything to get former viewers to tune back in but ratings are at an all-time low with ABC contemplating whether or not to replace the show with another hour of Good Morning America.
It was pretty obvious that O'Donnell was going to be leaving one way or another, but are you surprised to hear about her marriage busting up too? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
