Kathy Griffin

Comedian didn’t behead the president, but may have taken knife to career

Tiger Woods must be the only person in America happy with Kathy Griffin right now. The once near-unbeatable golf legend hasn’t had a lot of luck lately. And things only got worse this week when he was arrested Monday for allegedly driving under the influence of prescription medication.

The story was big news. But then the comedian came along.

Griffin is known for her sometimes raunchy and irreverent humor. Some folks love her act, others don’t find much to laugh about in her antics. Fewer love her comedy now. On Tuesday, photos from a shoot showing her holding a fake, bloody severed head of President Donald Trump were released by celebrity lensman Tyler Shields, who is known for pushing the envelope.

This time the envelope was pushed over the edge and into the abyss.

The reaction was swift and predictable. All of the sudden people who may have only vaguely had any idea who Griffin was were taking to social media and expressing outrage. She was booted from her gig hosting CNN’s New Year’s coverage, lost a lucrative Las Vegas engagement and had advertisers running for the hills.

Griffin apologized, but the damage was done. And, it may be lasting. Remember the Dixie Chicks?

What’s interesting is the anger comes from both right and left—a unity seldom seen these days.

Some folks have said Griffin should be arrested on charges ranging from threatening the president to treason. Even though the Secret Service is said to be looking into the matter, we don’t see that happening. This wasn’t criminal. It was just very, very stupid. The costs wont be measured in prison time, but in income lost.

Is that fair? One can make a good argument that in a free society nobody should be punished for their political views, that one stupid comment or thoughtless photo shouldn’t ruin someone’s whole life. But these days? The reality is something else again.

We are lucky to live in a society where free speech is the right of every American. But with rights come responsibilities. We should cherish our right to express ourselves freely. But we should also have the common sense and good judgment to know there is still a shaky and invisible line, and you better be sure of your message before you cross it.

Kathy Griffin is learning that lesson.