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CNN cuts ties with Kathy Griffin amid controversy over comedian’s gruesome anti-Trump photo CNN cuts ties with Kathy Griffin amid controversy over comedian’s gruesome anti-Trump photo
(2 days later)
Kathy Griffin continues to drown in backlash over a gruesome photo shoot that enraged President Trump, drew widespread bipartisan criticism and has now cost the comedian her longtime New Year’s Eve co-host job with CNN.Kathy Griffin continues to drown in backlash over a gruesome photo shoot that enraged President Trump, drew widespread bipartisan criticism and has now cost the comedian her longtime New Year’s Eve co-host job with CNN.
Griffin’s firing by CNN came hours after she apologized for the shocking picture in which she was seen holding a prop of Trump’s bloody, severed head. Griffin’s firing by CNN came hours after she apologized for the shocking picture in which she was seen holding a mask of Trump’s bloody, severed head.
In a video posted Tuesday night on social media, Griffin said she crossed the line and that the image was too disturbing.In a video posted Tuesday night on social media, Griffin said she crossed the line and that the image was too disturbing.
“I sincerely apologize. I am just now seeing the reaction of these images,” the 56-year-old comedian and reality TV star said of the picture.“I sincerely apologize. I am just now seeing the reaction of these images,” the 56-year-old comedian and reality TV star said of the picture.
Trump, returning from his “covfefe” break Wednesday morning, attacked her over the widely denounced image, which the president called “sick!”Trump, returning from his “covfefe” break Wednesday morning, attacked her over the widely denounced image, which the president called “sick!”
Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017
Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017
CNN, where Griffin has co-hosted a New Year’s Eve program since 2007, initially called the picture “disgusting and offensive.” Her New Year’s Eve co-host, Anderson Cooper, tweeted that he was “appalled by the photo shoot.”CNN, where Griffin has co-hosted a New Year’s Eve program since 2007, initially called the picture “disgusting and offensive.” Her New Year’s Eve co-host, Anderson Cooper, tweeted that he was “appalled by the photo shoot.”
On Wednesday afternoon, CNN said it has ended its agreement with Griffin.On Wednesday afternoon, CNN said it has ended its agreement with Griffin.
CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program. — CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 31, 2017CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program. — CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 31, 2017
CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program.CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 31, 2017— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 31, 2017
Multiple members of the Trump family have spoken out against Griffin.Multiple members of the Trump family have spoken out against Griffin.
In a statement, first lady Melania Trump said that “as a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing. When you consider some of the atrocities happening in the world today, a photo opportunity like this is simply wrong and makes you wonder about the mental health of the person who did it.”In a statement, first lady Melania Trump said that “as a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing. When you consider some of the atrocities happening in the world today, a photo opportunity like this is simply wrong and makes you wonder about the mental health of the person who did it.”
[The right is mad over Kathy Griffin’s gruesome Trump video. The left asks: Remember Ted Nugent?][The right is mad over Kathy Griffin’s gruesome Trump video. The left asks: Remember Ted Nugent?]
Donald Trump Jr. was especially incensed, saying the photo was “disgusting but not surprising.”Donald Trump Jr. was especially incensed, saying the photo was “disgusting but not surprising.”
Disgusting but not surprising. This is the left today. They consider this acceptable. Imagine a conservative did this to Obama as POTUS? https://t.co/QdghcbIjS7 — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 30, 2017Disgusting but not surprising. This is the left today. They consider this acceptable. Imagine a conservative did this to Obama as POTUS? https://t.co/QdghcbIjS7 — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 30, 2017
Disgusting but not surprising. This is the left today. They consider this acceptable. Imagine a conservative did this to Obama as POTUS? https://t.co/QdghcbIjS7Disgusting but not surprising. This is the left today. They consider this acceptable. Imagine a conservative did this to Obama as POTUS? https://t.co/QdghcbIjS7
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 30, 2017— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 30, 2017
He also needled CNN, calling on the network to take action.He also needled CNN, calling on the network to take action.
So "Squatty Potty" pulls the plug on #KathyGriffin but @CNN still "evaluating" and weighing their options. Insane what's going on there!!! https://t.co/yfCChwMxPB — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017So "Squatty Potty" pulls the plug on #KathyGriffin but @CNN still "evaluating" and weighing their options. Insane what's going on there!!! https://t.co/yfCChwMxPB — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017
So "Squatty Potty" pulls the plug on #KathyGriffin but @CNN still "evaluating" and weighing their options. Insane what's going on there!!! https://t.co/yfCChwMxPBSo "Squatty Potty" pulls the plug on #KathyGriffin but @CNN still "evaluating" and weighing their options. Insane what's going on there!!! https://t.co/yfCChwMxPB
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017
Thanks Jake, but you didn't say if you thought @CNN should sever their ties to her and stop putting her on air. Let us know. Thx https://t.co/jaFmULmboZ — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017Thanks Jake, but you didn't say if you thought @CNN should sever their ties to her and stop putting her on air. Let us know. Thx https://t.co/jaFmULmboZ — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017
Thanks Jake, but you didn't say if you thought @CNN should sever their ties to her and stop putting her on air. Let us know. Thx https://t.co/jaFmULmboZThanks Jake, but you didn't say if you thought @CNN should sever their ties to her and stop putting her on air. Let us know. Thx https://t.co/jaFmULmboZ
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017
Griffin, a veteran stand-up comedian and actress who has won two Emmys for her reality show “My Life on the D List,” had shared the image Tuesday in a since-deleted tweet.Griffin, a veteran stand-up comedian and actress who has won two Emmys for her reality show “My Life on the D List,” had shared the image Tuesday in a since-deleted tweet.
“I caption this ‘there was blood coming out of his eyes, blood coming out of his … wherever,’” she wrote.“I caption this ‘there was blood coming out of his eyes, blood coming out of his … wherever,’” she wrote.
In a second tweet, she added: “OBVIOUSLY, I do not condone ANY violence by my fans or others to anyone, ever! I’m merely mocking the Mocker in Chief.”In a second tweet, she added: “OBVIOUSLY, I do not condone ANY violence by my fans or others to anyone, ever! I’m merely mocking the Mocker in Chief.”
The photo was shot by Tyler Shields, whose own biography notes that he is “recognized as ‘Hollywood’s favorite photographer,’” having evolved from the “‘bad boy of photography,’ with his controversial bloodstained photographic series featuring Lindsay Lohan.”The photo was shot by Tyler Shields, whose own biography notes that he is “recognized as ‘Hollywood’s favorite photographer,’” having evolved from the “‘bad boy of photography,’ with his controversial bloodstained photographic series featuring Lindsay Lohan.”
Griffin said Tuesday night that she has asked Shields to take down the image.Griffin said Tuesday night that she has asked Shields to take down the image.
[Trump targets ‘negative press covfefe’ in garbled midnight tweet that becomes worldwide joke][Trump targets ‘negative press covfefe’ in garbled midnight tweet that becomes worldwide joke]
Criticism came from liberals and conservatives, including former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and Chelsea Clinton.Criticism came from liberals and conservatives, including former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and Chelsea Clinton.
Our politics have become too base, too low, & too vulgar, but Kathy Griffin's post descends into an even more repugnant & vile territory. — Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) May 30, 2017Our politics have become too base, too low, & too vulgar, but Kathy Griffin's post descends into an even more repugnant & vile territory. — Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) May 30, 2017
Our politics have become too base, too low, & too vulgar, but Kathy Griffin's post descends into an even more repugnant & vile territory.Our politics have become too base, too low, & too vulgar, but Kathy Griffin's post descends into an even more repugnant & vile territory.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) May 30, 2017— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) May 30, 2017
But even people who do not usually defend Trump expressed repulsion at the image.But even people who do not usually defend Trump expressed repulsion at the image.
Chelsea Clinton called the photo “vile and wrong.”Chelsea Clinton called the photo “vile and wrong.”
This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. https://t.co/zIiuKoMyFw — Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) May 30, 2017This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. https://t.co/zIiuKoMyFw — Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) May 30, 2017
This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. https://t.co/zIiuKoMyFwThis is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. https://t.co/zIiuKoMyFw
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) May 30, 2017— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) May 30, 2017
Responding to a comment that “it’s also ‘art’, it doesn’t hurt anyone,” Clinton said of Griffin and her gory photo: “I can both respect her right to freedom of speech, which I do, and think it’s not funny and not ok.”Responding to a comment that “it’s also ‘art’, it doesn’t hurt anyone,” Clinton said of Griffin and her gory photo: “I can both respect her right to freedom of speech, which I do, and think it’s not funny and not ok.”
Nice to see near universal, bipartisan, condemnation of Kathy Griffen's attempt at humor. Pictures like these are never funny. — Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) May 31, 2017Nice to see near universal, bipartisan, condemnation of Kathy Griffen's attempt at humor. Pictures like these are never funny. — Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) May 31, 2017
Nice to see near universal, bipartisan, condemnation of Kathy Griffen's attempt at humor. Pictures like these are never funny.Nice to see near universal, bipartisan, condemnation of Kathy Griffen's attempt at humor. Pictures like these are never funny.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) May 31, 2017— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) May 31, 2017
Another company also distanced itself from Griffin: The Utah-based producer of Squatty Potty toilet stools and Unicorn Gold bathroom products said it was suspending a new ad campaign starring the comedian.Another company also distanced itself from Griffin: The Utah-based producer of Squatty Potty toilet stools and Unicorn Gold bathroom products said it was suspending a new ad campaign starring the comedian.
“We were shocked and disappointed to learn about the image Ms. Griffin shared today,” Squatty Potty chief executive Bobby Edwards said in a statement. “It was deeply inappropriate and runs contrary to the core values our company stands for. In response, Squatty Potty has suspended its ad campaign featuring Ms. Griffin. We have acted swiftly and decisively to demonstrate our commitment to a culture of decency, civility, and tolerance.”“We were shocked and disappointed to learn about the image Ms. Griffin shared today,” Squatty Potty chief executive Bobby Edwards said in a statement. “It was deeply inappropriate and runs contrary to the core values our company stands for. In response, Squatty Potty has suspended its ad campaign featuring Ms. Griffin. We have acted swiftly and decisively to demonstrate our commitment to a culture of decency, civility, and tolerance.”
[These protesters wanted to humiliate ‘Emperor’ Trump. So they took off his clothes.][These protesters wanted to humiliate ‘Emperor’ Trump. So they took off his clothes.]
Griffin has been critical of Trump in the past.Griffin has been critical of Trump in the past.
Speaking with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews about Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress, she said “he just says one hateful thing after the other. He’s so embarrassing.”Speaking with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews about Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress, she said “he just says one hateful thing after the other. He’s so embarrassing.”
On “The View,” she called Trump “insufferable.”On “The View,” she called Trump “insufferable.”
Griffin has also shown support for one of Trump’s biggest critics in Congress.Griffin has also shown support for one of Trump’s biggest critics in Congress.
Firing up #TheResistance with @KathyGriffin at my Town Hall tonight! Full capacity crowd, no Russian agents. #ImwithTed pic.twitter.com/DlsIb86zEY — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 21, 2017Firing up #TheResistance with @KathyGriffin at my Town Hall tonight! Full capacity crowd, no Russian agents. #ImwithTed pic.twitter.com/DlsIb86zEY — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 21, 2017
Firing up #TheResistance with @KathyGriffin at my Town Hall tonight! Full capacity crowd, no Russian agents. #ImwithTed pic.twitter.com/DlsIb86zEYFiring up #TheResistance with @KathyGriffin at my Town Hall tonight! Full capacity crowd, no Russian agents. #ImwithTed pic.twitter.com/DlsIb86zEY
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 21, 2017— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 21, 2017
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly before Griffin’s apology, Shields, the photographer, said that he and the comedian had discussed doing something. She told him: “I’m not afraid to get political if you want or make a statement if you want.”In an interview with Entertainment Weekly before Griffin’s apology, Shields, the photographer, said that he and the comedian had discussed doing something. She told him: “I’m not afraid to get political if you want or make a statement if you want.”
Shields added: “Fortunately, we have freedom of speech and all art is generally protected by these things, but again, this was her first thought, ‘Will you bail me out of jail?’ You know, again, it wasn’t, ‘I don’t want to do this because I might go to jail.’ It was like, ‘Well, I’m gonna do it and whatever happens, happens.’”Shields added: “Fortunately, we have freedom of speech and all art is generally protected by these things, but again, this was her first thought, ‘Will you bail me out of jail?’ You know, again, it wasn’t, ‘I don’t want to do this because I might go to jail.’ It was like, ‘Well, I’m gonna do it and whatever happens, happens.’”
Regarding potential backlash, he said: “It’s this thing of, ‘Well, I want everyone to like me. I want everyone to like the work that I make, especially young artists.’ You want people to love you, but part of that is that if you make things that are polarizing, people are gonna hate it. I think there will be a lot of people who will absolutely hate this, but again, that’s the beauty of it. That’s the fun of making things.Regarding potential backlash, he said: “It’s this thing of, ‘Well, I want everyone to like me. I want everyone to like the work that I make, especially young artists.’ You want people to love you, but part of that is that if you make things that are polarizing, people are gonna hate it. I think there will be a lot of people who will absolutely hate this, but again, that’s the beauty of it. That’s the fun of making things.
“Am I saying that anyone should actually be killed? No, it’s like a movie. How many movies are there where the president gets killed or this happens? Tons upon tons. But again, when it’s an image, especially an image like this, people don’t see it like that. They see it as reality and that’s why it’s so shocking to some people.”“Am I saying that anyone should actually be killed? No, it’s like a movie. How many movies are there where the president gets killed or this happens? Tons upon tons. But again, when it’s an image, especially an image like this, people don’t see it like that. They see it as reality and that’s why it’s so shocking to some people.”
Can you go to jail for making an artistic statement??? Asking for a friend… @kathygriffin — Tyler Shields (@tylershields) May 27, 2017Can you go to jail for making an artistic statement??? Asking for a friend… @kathygriffin — Tyler Shields (@tylershields) May 27, 2017
Can you go to jail for making an artistic statement??? Asking for a friend… @kathygriffinCan you go to jail for making an artistic statement??? Asking for a friend… @kathygriffin
— Tyler Shields (@tylershields) May 27, 2017— Tyler Shields (@tylershields) May 27, 2017
The photographer told the New York Daily News that “when you make art, you can do anything you want.”The photographer told the New York Daily News that “when you make art, you can do anything you want.”
But Griffin said that ultimately she and Shields went too far.But Griffin said that ultimately she and Shields went too far.
“I understand how it offends people. It wasn’t funny — I get it,” she said in her Tuesday night apology. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career. I will continue. I ask your forgiveness. Taking down the image. Going to ask the photographer to take down the image. And I beg for your forgiveness. I went too far. I made a mistake and I was wrong.”“I understand how it offends people. It wasn’t funny — I get it,” she said in her Tuesday night apology. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career. I will continue. I ask your forgiveness. Taking down the image. Going to ask the photographer to take down the image. And I beg for your forgiveness. I went too far. I made a mistake and I was wrong.”
At least one person close to the president wasn’t ready to accept Griffin’s apology.At least one person close to the president wasn’t ready to accept Griffin’s apology.
The #kathygriffin phony apology would be a lot easier to believe if there wasn't a video of her mocking the response she knew was coming. — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017The #kathygriffin phony apology would be a lot easier to believe if there wasn't a video of her mocking the response she knew was coming. — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017
The #kathygriffin phony apology would be a lot easier to believe if there wasn't a video of her mocking the response she knew was coming.The #kathygriffin phony apology would be a lot easier to believe if there wasn't a video of her mocking the response she knew was coming.
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 31, 2017
Krissah Thompson contributed to this report.Krissah Thompson contributed to this report.
This post has been updated.This post has been updated.
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