Kathy Griffin Admits Feeling Snubbed by Rosie O’Donnell’s Kimmel Gig

Griffin aired her grievances on her official YouTube channel on August 18, shortly after O’Donnell began filling in for Jimmy Kimmel during his summer break. While she praised O’Donnell’s performance and encouraged fans to support the show, Griffin admitted that she had allowed herself to get excited about a potential cameo, only to feel increasingly sidelined as the week progressed. She conceded that O’Donnell likely had no say in the guest bookings, yet described the experience as an embarrassing, tricky situation that left her feeling hurt.

The public expression of disappointment arrives against the backdrop of Griffin’s complicated history with late-night television. Having frequently discussed being effectively banned from various talk shows following her 2017 controversy, she has often pointed to Jimmy Kimmel as a rare exception who kept his doors open. She previously told People that Kimmel’s own brief suspension in 2025 felt triggering, reminding her of the period when industry executives labeled her too dangerous to book. Despite the current snub, Griffin insisted she remains on good terms with Kimmel and intends to watch O’Donnell’s episodes to cheer her friend on.