Early departure

Memorial Day Weekenders are not the only ones ducking out early today.

Rosie is not returning to The View following Wednesday's smack down between her and Elizabeth Hasselbeck. They always fight, but this one was different and got extremely personal. I heard rumors that Rosie trashed her dressing room after the show. She did post on her blog that night that she wouldn't return, so today isn't surprising, just official.

TMZ's report:

Rosie to Leave "The View"

Posted May 25th 2007 3:10PM by TMZ Staff
Filed under: TV, Rosie O'Donnell

ABC has just announced that Rosie O'Donnell will not be back on "The View."

Brian Frons, President of ABC Daytime, issued the following statement:
"We had hoped that Rosie would be with us until the end of her contract three weeks from now, but Rosie has informed us that she would like an early leave. Therefore, we part ways, thank her for her tremendous contribution to 'The View' and wish her well."

Barbara Walters said "I brought Rosie to the show. Rosie contributed to one of our most exciting and successful years at "The View." I am most appreciative. Our close and affectionate relationship will not change."

For her part, Rosie said "I'm extremely grateful. It's been an amazing year and I love all three women."

It's True

Rosie's leaving. Just watched her announcement on the show. Chalked up to failed contract negotiations. They went to GREAT (too great?) lengths to clarify that Rosie was not being kicked out. In fact, they wanted her to sign a three year deal, she only wanted one. It went back and forth. Babs made it clear it wasn't her doing. She had no part in the negotiations. It was between Rosie's reps and ABC TV. Blah, blah, blah...

Rosie will stay through the end of her contract in June and then she'll still be on the show from time to time as a "guest host".

They have not thought about replacements yet because they were hoping she was coming back (don't they realize we know this is an outright lie?) Donald Trump might be available - does anyone still watch The Apprentice?