CNN fires Griffin for Trump stunt
Comedian was part of New Year’s Eve show
Kathy Griffin’s Trump dustup is costing her money.
A day after Griffin released a picture of herself holding a mock “decapitated” head of President Trump, shot by a selfproclaimed “provocateur” photographer, CNN announced Wednesday that they have terminated their decade-long contract with the comedian to appear with Anderson Cooper on New Year’s Eve.
“CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year’s Eve program,” CNN spokesman Shimrit Sheetrit confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement.
The network used even stronger language a day earlier: “We found what she did disgusting and offensive,” read a statement sent to USA TODAY Tuesday night. “We are pleased to see she has apologized and asked that the photos be taken down.”
Although he has ushered in many a new year alongside the comedian, Cooper would not defend his co-host’s actions. “For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in,” he tweeted Tuesday night. “It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate.”
Griffin also lost two more gigs Wednesday: A casino in New Mexico scrapped the comedian’s scheduled July 22 performance and Squatty Potty, a Utah company, fired her from an endorsement gig.
Squatty Potty CEO Bobby Edwards said Wednesday the company was “shocked and disappointed” by Griffin’s actions.
Social media erupted over the photo, steering attention away from Trump’s expected announcement to withdraw from the Paris climate deal.
Trump said the image really upset his youngest son. “Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11-year-old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!” he tweeted.
Late Tuesday, Griffin profusely apologized. “I crossed the line,” she said. “I went way too far. ... It wasn’t funny. I get it. ... I ask for your forgiveness.”