O'Donnell complaint spurs Walters' ire

While she never mentioned Rosie O'Donnell by name, it was clear who Barbara Walters was referring to when she opened Thursday's show by complaining about "some people who have done this show" who criticize the daytime gabfest after leaving.

Walters said some former hosts feel the need "to dump on it, maybe for their own publicity." She added: "That not only hurts me, but I resent it."

Her comments came one day after O'Donnell told reporters while promoting her upcoming variety special that Walters wanted the hosts to make believe they were getting along. O'Donnell says she's experienced something like "post-traumatic stress disorder" since leaving.