Celebrity Feud

Playbill News: Rosie O'Donnell Will Not Return to "The View": "After a heated discussion with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck on the May 23 broadcast of the morning chat show, O'Donnell has decided not to return. Her contract was originally scheduled to end June 20.

Brian Frons, the president of ABC's Daytime Television Group, said in a May 25 statement, "We had hoped that Rosie would be with us until the end of her contract three weeks from now, but Rosie has informed us that she would like an early leave. Therefore, we part ways, thank her for her tremendous contribution to 'The View' and wish her well."

Barbara Walters, who is the co-creator of "The View" and one of its co-hosts, added, "I brought Rosie to the show. Rosie contributed to one of our most exciting and successful years at 'The View.' I am most appreciative. Our close and affectionate relationship will not change."

In her own statement, O'Donnell said, "I'm extremely grateful. It's been an amazing year and I love all three women."

It was a difficult year for O'Donnell, who became embroiled in a celebrity feud with Donald Trump. She and co-host Hasselbeck also frequently argued over their diametrically opposed political views. Broadway fans, however, were thrilled that O'Donnell's arrival on "The View" meant more television coverage for Broadway shows. In fact, the March 21 broadcast of "The View," which celebrated O'Donnell's birthday, featured performances from the casts of The Color Purple, Les Misérables and A Chorus Line.

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(Read Original Article - Via Playbill News .)