CNN fires Kathy Griffin over offensive Trump photo
CNN fires Kathy Griffin over offensive Trump photo, A day after Griffin released a photograph holding a mock "decapitated" head of President Trump, CNN announced they have terminated their contract with the comedian.
"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.
Late Tuesday, the language CNN used was even stronger. "We found what she did disgusting and offensive," read a statement sent to USA TODAY by Sheetrit, saying they had not decided yet on Griffin's fate on the popular New Year's program. "We are pleased to see she has apologized and asked that the photos be taken down."
Although he's 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."
Social media erupted over the bloody photo, and 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," the first lady said in a statement issued by her press secretary, Stephanie Grisham.
Late Tuesday night, Griffin took to Twitter to profusely apologize for the image. "I crossed the line," she said. "I went way too far. The image is too disturbing, I understand how it offends people. It wasn’t funny. I get it. I've made a lot of mistakes in my career, I will continue to. I ask for your forgiveness."
Griffin also lost another gig Wednesday: A casino in New Mexico scrapped a show by the comedian scheduled for July 22.
Contributing: The Associated Press
