Lindsay Lohan stunned by Rosie O'Donnell's rude casting criticism

Lindsay Lohan was taken aback by the harsh criticism levelled at her by Rosie O'Donnell over her casting as Elizabeth Taylor in a new TV movie - because the comedienne doesn't know her "at all".

The Mean Girls star was confirmed to portray the late movie legend in the Lifetime network project Liz & Dick on Monday (23Apr12), but not everyone welcomed the news.

Outspoken O'Donnell questioned the casting and suggested Lohan would be better served away from the spotlight after 18 months of legal issues and jail and rehab stints.

The former chat show host said, "I feel very sorry for her. I think she needs a lot of time away... I think she's not in a place to work."

And she's convinced Lohan isn't the right person to play Hollywood icon Taylor: "The last thing she did good (was when) she was 16. I don't think she's right for the role and I don't think she's capable at this point to portray that character."

Lohan's father Michael hit back at the O'Donnell on Tuesday (24Apr12), insisting she is in no place to judge his daughter's casting, and now the actress has responded to the criticism.

The 25 year old tells Eonline.com, "It's funny that someone you don't know at all can say something so intrusive and so knowing. You know, I did one of my first interviews with (O'Donnell) when I was little. I was so excited."

And Lohan is refusing to answer back or take the criticism to heart as she focuses on preparing for the role: "I don't think I need to tell her anything. I know that I'm great. I know that I know Liz Taylor very well, and I share the same make-up artist and the same hair stylist. We've worked with a lot of the same people.

"(I feel) lucky to be able to do this role (and want) to honor (Taylor) the way that she should be honored because she helped a lot of people in her life."