The Arizona Republic

Backlash builds vs. comedian

Offensive stunt costs comedian two other jobs

- Andrea Mandell

Kathy Griffin has lost a decadelong gig ringing in the new year for CNN as a backlash builds over her video displaying a likeness of President Donald Trump’s severed head. CNN, which had called the images “disgusting and offensive” after Griffin posted the video on Tuesday, announced Wednesday that it would not invite her back for the Times Square live New Year’s Eve special she had co-hosted annually since 2007 with Anderson Cooper. A New Mexico casino has also canceled a performanc­e by Griffin, who was scheduled to perform next month.

@andreamand­ell USA TODAY

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 Wednesday. Wednesday: A New Mexico casino scrapped her 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.

The president said the image particular­ly 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!” Trump tweeted. The first lady also chimed in. “As a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing,” Melania Trump said.

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.”

 ?? RICH FURY/AP ?? “I went too far,” comedian Kathy Griffin said on Tuesday. “I sincerely apologize.”
RICH FURY/AP “I went too far,” comedian Kathy Griffin said on Tuesday. “I sincerely apologize.”
 ?? GREGG DEGUIRE, WIREIMAGE ?? Kathy Griffin’s photos showed a mock “decapitate­d” head.
GREGG DEGUIRE, WIREIMAGE Kathy Griffin’s photos showed a mock “decapitate­d” head.

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