Rosie O'Donnell: Rosie Perez Is Returning to 'The View'
Rosie O'Donnell opened The View on Thursday by addressing rumors regarding Rosie Perez's return to the show.
Despite multiple reports that Perez is leaving the ABC program after four short months of serving as a co-host, O'Donnell insisted that she will be back.
NEWS: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Rosie Perez
On Thursday's show, where Glee actress Naya Rivera and comedian Billy Eichner were filling for Whoopi Goldberg and Perez, O'Donnell was quick explain why the ladies were absent.
According to O'Donnell, Goldberg will return to the ABC show next Tuesday, Jan. 20, while Perez is set to come back after she's done rehearsing for her Broadway play Fish In the Dark. Previews for the production begin Feb. 2, while opening night is March 5.
NEWS: Naya Rivera Apologizes for 'White People Shower a Lot More' Comment
O'Donnell was adamant that viewers not believe what they are reading and/or watching about Perez departing The View, and again insists that she will be back on the show.
"No matter what you read Rosie Perez is also coming back to her job after she finishes rehearsing her play,” O’Donnell stressed.
In an official statement, a rep for The View echoed that sentiment. "Rosie Perez is currently in rehearsal for her Broadway play for the month of January. Her status with the show has not changed."
Variety's Ramin Setoodeh, who broke the story, spoke to ET about drama at The View.
"The View has had a history of denying people are leaving until the people announce they are leaving. This happened with Elisabeth Hasselbeck, it happened with Barbara Walters, and it happened with [executive producer] Bill Geddie," he said. "Our sources say she is leaving, but they weren't ready to make an announcement."
Do you want Perez to return to The View? Let us know below and tweet #ETnow.
Related Gallery
