Essex County Native To Be Inducted Into NJ Hall Of Fame After All

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Months after comedienne Chelsea Handler complained on national TV that she hadn't been allowed into the Livingston High School Hall of Fame, claiming her abortions in high school kept her out, the statewide Hall of Fame announced that she'll be an honoree this year.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame announced its 14th class of inductees last week, including Handler, former NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski, and the E Street Band's Max Weinberg. READ MORE: Handler, Weinberg To Be Inducted Into NJ Hall Of Fame

Since 2008, more than 180 prominent New Jerseyans have made the Hall of Fame. This year's ceremony will be virtual, broadcast on My9NJ, PBS, and social media.

Handler graduated from Livingston High in 1993 (see the yearbook photo), the youngest of six children. Her father, gas station owner Seymour Handler, passed away four years ago.

Earlier this summer, Handler complained that the high school hadn't inducted her into its hall of fame, saying it was because of abortions she had in high school. The school responded, calling her remarks "false" and saying no one had been inducted since the pandemic.

In 2019, Handler released a new autobiography. She said that she and a Livingston High boyfriend had been arrested for marijuana more than once.

These days, Handler's hoping to host a new talk show, and has pointed out that women are rare on late-night TV. She also recently split from comedian Jo Koy.

"In anticipation of celebrating our first year together, Jo and I recorded this video early, but as many of you have noticed, it is with a heavy heart to announce that we have decided together that it is best for us to take a break," she posted on Instagram last month.

Keep reading Patch to find out what's up with Chelsea...lately.

READ MORE: Why Isn't Chelsea Handler In Livingston High School Hall Of Fame?

Josh Bakan contributed to this report.