In a new interview with the New York Times, Rosie revealed that she became in contact with Lyle in 1996, after she expressed support for the Menendez brothers' abuse claims during an episode of Larry King Live and Lyle wrote a letter from jail thanking her for the sentiment.

Rosie O’Donnell opened up about an unlikely friendship she had with convicted murderer Lyle Menendez. In a new interview, she recalled how he made her feel 'safe enough to trust and be vulnerable and love a straight man.

They began talking in 2022, after the convicted killer's wife reached out to O'Donnell to ask if she'd want to speak with him. Their first phone call lasted three hours.