Rosie O'Donnell Clarifies She Didnt Pick Guests After Kathy Griffins "Hurt" Comments

Rosie O'Donnell, who has been filling in as guest host for ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, responded to comedian Kathy Griffin’s recent Instagram post that said she was “really hurt” by not being invited onto the show. O'Donnell’s reply, posted on her own Instagram story, read: “Kathy – shoulda called me honey – I didn’t choose the guests.” The exchange highlights the tension between the two performers during O'Donnell’s brief stint behind the late‑night desk.

O'Donnell began her guest‑host run on August 17, 2026, after Jimmy Kimmel announced a voluntary two‑month break from the program. The week‑long fill‑in schedule has featured a mix of comedians, actors and musicians, including Hannah Waddingham, Ana Gasteyer, Jean Smart, Richard Gadd, Charlie Day, Janelle James, Shawn Hatosy, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman. The show’s producers say the lineup is selected by the production team and the network, not by the guest host.

Kathy Griffin released a YouTube video titled “If Rosie Would’ve Called, I Would’ve Jumped” on August 16. In the clip, Griffin explained that she had told O'Donnell, while they were on a flight together, that she would love to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live during O'Donnell’s week. Griffin said she felt “really hurt” that she was not invited, adding that the two had been friends for years and that she was a fan of the show’s host. She also noted that both she and O'Donnell had faced public controversy related to former President Donald Trump.

O'Donnell’s Instagram response was brief but clear. By stating that she “didn’t choose the guests,” she indicated that the decision to book performers was outside her control. The post was accompanied by a short caption that read, “Shoulda called me honey,” suggesting that Griffin’s feelings were a misunderstanding rather than a personal slight.

In her video, Griffin said she would still support O'Donnell’s hosting and urged viewers to watch the show. She added that she would watch every episode and cheer on O'Donnell, describing the situation as “tricky” but ultimately positive. O'Donnell’s own social‑media activity during the week has focused on promoting the show’s guests and encouraging viewers to tune in.

The incident underscores a common practice in late‑night television: guest hosts are typically not involved in selecting their own guests. Producers and the network usually handle scheduling to maintain a consistent format and to coordinate with talent availability. The Jimmy Kimmel Live production team has confirmed that the guest‑host schedule is determined by the show’s executive producers.

At present, the exchange between O'Donnell and Griffin appears to have been resolved without further escalation. O'Donnell’s clarification and Griffin’s supportive comments suggest that the two comedians remain on amicable terms. The remainder of O'Donnell’s guest‑host week continues as scheduled, with the final episode airing on August 22.