O'Donnell Supports Menendez Brothers' Bid for New Trial

Rosie O'Donnell has formed a close friendship with Lyle Menendez, one of the brothers convicted for the 1989 murder of their parents, speaking with him two to three times a week. O'Donnell contacted Menendez after viewing a documentary about the case and now publicly supports the brothers' claims that their actions were a result of years of alleged abuse by their father. She hopes that Lyle and his brother Erik will be resentenced and released, especially as new evidence regarding alleged childhood sexual abuse emerges. O'Donnell credits Lyle with helping her feel safe trusting a straight man and notes the positive impact on her family, including his suggestion to get a support dog for her autistic child, Clay. The Menendez brothers are actively seeking a new trial as public and legal scrutiny of their conviction grows. O'Donnell maintains that hope for their release is crucial for those serving life sentences without parole.