Rosie O’Donnell Says She’s ‘Like a Big Sister’ To Menendez Brothers

Comedian Rosie O’Donnell has opened up about feeling like a “big sister” to Lyle and Erik Menendez, the brothers convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty, in 1989.

The former “The View” co-host spoke about her friendship with Lyle Menendez during an interview with Variety, published on Friday. O’Donnell shared her belief that the brothers may be released from prison “sooner than later.”

O’Donnell Interest In Bringing Attention To The Menendez Brothers Story

In the interview, O’Donnell explained, “We talk a lot,” O’Donnell said in the interview with Variety. “I told them I would do what I could with whatever dwindling fame I have to bring light to their story.”

Both brothers are currently serving time for the murder of their parents in their Beverly Hills home.

This discussion followed a statement made by Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, who recently announced a review of new evidence related to the brothers’ claims of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, José.

Lyle and Erik Menendez have consistently maintained that the abuse led to their parents’ tragic deaths.

Barbara Walters’ Warning About Lyle Menendez

O’Donnell first received a message from Lyle Menendez three decades ago, but she did not initially support the brothers. She said this was largely due to advice from TV legend Barbara Walters, the creator of “The View.” Walters, who interviewed the brothers for ABC, referred to Lyle as “very cunning” and a “murderer,” leading O’Donnell to keep her distance at the time.

However, O’Donnell reconsidered her stance two years ago after watching a documentary revisiting the Menendez case. The film presented evidence supporting the brothers’ claims of molestation by their father, prompting her to reconnect with Lyle.

“I got a call from Lyle’s wife, I didn’t even know he had a wife, asking if I would talk to him,” O’Donnell told Variety. “He called me on Mother’s Day last year.” Since then, the brothers have been hopeful about a potential release.

She added that she reassured the brothers of their chances during a recent conversation. “I told them then, “You’re going to get out of there.” They didn’t really believe me, but I believe that the wrong will be righted. They’re still reticent to believe it’s going to happen,” O’Donnell told the outlet.

Seeing Erik Menendez In Prison And Sharing an Emotional Moment

Speaking candidly, O’Donnell also discussed her visit to the brothers’ current California prison, the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

She remembered hugging Lyle before Erik approached her and said, “Thank you for loving my brother,” whispering in her ear. The event was quite moving, according to O’Donnell.

O’Donnell hinted that she might be present at their potential release, saying, “If they wanted me there, of course, but I don’t want to overshadow things.” She also mentioned that the brothers would need substantial therapy to adjust to life outside prison after spending 35 years behind bars.

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O’Donnell’s Promise To Take Lyle To Nobu

As a gesture of support, O’Donnell has made a special promise to Lyle Menendez. If he is released, she plans to take him to the famous restaurant Nobu.

“I’ve always told Lyle that I will take him to Nobu because he thinks that’s the place to go,” she revealed.

During a recent phone call, Lyle asked her, “When are we going to Nobu?” To which O’Donnell replied, “Sooner than you think.”

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