Rosie O'Donnell Hopes for Menendez Brothers' Release and a Celebratory Meal

Comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell is optimistic that her friend, Lyle Menendez, along with his brother Erik, could be out of prison soon. This comes after Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced a review of new evidence in their case. The brothers were convicted in 1989 for the murder of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. A key piece of this new evidence is a letter written by Erik to his cousin Andy Rano before the murder, detailing alleged abuse by their father. Another claim comes from former Menudo member Roy Rosselló, who accused Jose Menendez of drugging and raping him in the 1980s. Gascón believes this evidence could lead to a retrial or resentencing.

Rosie has been supporting the brothers for years. She first received a letter from Lyle 30 years ago but was advised by Barbara Walters, her co-host on The View, to ignore it. However, after a documentary featuring new evidence of abuse surfaced two years ago, Rosie spoke out in support of the Menendez brothers. "I will do what I can with whatever fame I have left to bring light to their story," Rosie stated. Over time, she has grown close to Lyle and even visited him in prison last year. She found both brothers to be exceptional inmates, noting that Lyle had served ten years without any infractions. Rosie believes the brothers could be released before a scheduled hearing on November 29. In anticipation of this, she has already made plans with Lyle for their first meal out. "I’ve always told Lyle I will take him to Nobu," she said. When asked recently about their dinner plans, Lyle responded enthusiastically, “When are we going to Nobu?” Rosie simply replied, “Sooner than you think.”

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