Lucas Delgado
In May 2017, comedian Kathy Griffin posted a photo of herself holding up a mask of Donald Trump's head made to look like a severed head. The image sparked controversy and outrage, with some people interpreting it as a call for violence against the then-president. As a result, Griffin faced backlash and professional repercussions, including being fired by CNN and placed on the no-fly list. Griffin apologized for the photo and has since tried to revive her career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Kathy Griffin |
| Occupation | Comedian |
| Age | 64 |
| Recent controversy | Anti-Trump TikTok post |
| Outcome of controversy | Backlash, loss of CNN hosting gig |
| Other controversies | 2017 photo holding a fake decapitated head of Trump |
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What You'll Learn
Kathy Griffin's Trump photo controversy
In May 2017, comedian Kathy Griffin sparked controversy after posing with a fake severed head of then-US President Donald Trump. The photo was taken by Tyler Shields, who later said he knew the image would be controversial but was still shocked by the level of outrage it caused.
The photo led to widespread criticism of Griffin, and she lost her hosting job at CNN. In the years since, Griffin has continued to face backlash for her anti-Trump stance, including for a 2025 TikTok video in which she shared artwork depicting four severed heads of billionaires, including Trump.
The controversy and subsequent backlash took a significant toll on Griffin's mental health. In 2020, she revealed that she had struggled with pill addiction and suicidal thoughts in the years following the photo. She was diagnosed with complex PTSD in 2023, which she linked to the Trump controversy.
Despite the controversies and the impact on her personal life, Griffin has continued to work in the entertainment industry. She embarked on the "Laugh Your Head Off World Tour" in 2018 and continues to post content on social media platforms like TikTok, where she has sparked both outrage and concern with her recent appearances.
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Griffin fired by CNN
In 2017, Kathy Griffin was fired by CNN after posing for a photograph holding what appeared to be the severed head of US President Donald Trump. The image, taken by photographer Tyler Shields, sparked widespread controversy and outrage. As a result, Griffin faced intense backlash, including criticism from her colleague Anderson Cooper, who described the photo as "disgusting and completely inappropriate".
In the aftermath of the incident, Griffin was dropped from various professional commitments, including an ad campaign for Squatty Potty and her annual appearance on CNN's New Year's Eve Special with Cooper, which she had been a part of since 2007. The Secret Service even launched an investigation into the matter, underscoring the severity of the situation.
While some criticised Griffin's actions as inappropriate and offensive, others came to her defence, acknowledging her history as a comedian and questioning the double standards in media treatment. Despite the varied responses, the consequences of the incident had a tangible impact on Griffin's career and public image.
It is worth noting that the incident involving Kathy Griffin and CNN occurred in 2017 and is unrelated to the more recent mentions of a "former CNN producer", John Griffin, who was fired and pleaded guilty to sexual abuse charges in 2022. This separate case involves a different individual with the same last name, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between the two.
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Griffin's no-fly list experience
In 2017, comedian Kathy Griffin posted a controversial clip of herself holding a fake decapitated head made to look like then-president Donald Trump. The act caused a media frenzy, with Griffin receiving backlash for the image. The photographer who captured the now-infamous photos, Tyler Shields, spoke out about the controversy, acknowledging that he knew the image would be controversial but was still shocked by the level of outrage it provoked.
As a result of the incident, Griffin faced significant repercussions. She lost her hosting job with CNN, a position she had held since 2007. In the years following the incident, Griffin continued to face backlash for her anti-Trump stance. In July 2025, she sparked further controversy by sharing a video on TikTok showcasing artwork of four severed heads of billionaires, including Trump, with "blood" dripping from their necks.
The video, which included the decapitated heads of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Trump, caused a furious response. Griffin's recent TikTok activity has led to her being labeled "unrecognizable" as she stepped out in Los Angeles, sporting a noticeably different appearance and a low-key outfit.
Griffin's experience serves as an illustration of the intense polarization surrounding political figures such as Trump and the potential consequences for those who publicly criticize or mock them. The controversy surrounding her actions has had a lasting impact on her career and public image, demonstrating the ongoing sensitivity and divisiveness surrounding Trump even after his presidency.
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Comedians joking about Trump
The article "How does comedy respond to another Trump presidency?" published in The Guardian in November 2024, discusses how comedians and late-night hosts were grappling with the idea of having Trump as president for another four years. It mentions that comedians like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Saturday Night Live had previously resorted to jokes about Trump's strained relationship with Melania, his insipid children, and his weight. However, the article also points out that the comedy world had shifted rightward, and that the cultural "manosphere" of podcasters, YouTubers, and Twitch streamers had become akin to Fox News for younger audiences.
The article also mentions Joe Rogan, who has shifted what is acceptable in comedy rightward. Rogan, with nearly 50 million views on YouTube, has stated that "the rebels are Republicans now. You want to be a rebel, you want to be punk rock, you want to like buck the system, you’re a conservative now." This shift in comedy has made figures like Trump more palatable through the guise of comedy and "just asking questions."
Another article, "Was it all a joke? How stand-up comedy helped reelect Trump" from the Associated Press, discusses how stand-up comedy may have played a role in Trump's reelection. It mentions comedians like Theo Von, Joe Rogan, and Tony Hinchcliffe, who have made jokes or comments that some may deem racist or sexist.
While some comedians have made jokes about Trump, others like Judy Gold have criticized his attempts at humor, stating that his jokes are simply "not funny." Gold emphasizes that it is the comedian's responsibility to make jokes that land and are recognizable as jokes, which can be challenging when dealing with emotionally charged topics.
Additionally, the article mentions the controversy surrounding comedian Kathy Griffin, who posed for photographs holding a severed head resembling that of Trump. The photographer, Tyler Shields, spoke about the controversy, expressing his awareness of the potential backlash but remaining shocked by the level of outrage the photographs generated.
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Griffin's comeback
Kathy Griffin, the comedian who sparked outrage in 2017 with a photo of her holding a fake severed head of President Donald Trump, is attempting a comeback. In recent weeks, Griffin has been spotted in Los Angeles, looking unrecognizable as she steps out makeup-free and with her wild red hair blowing in the breeze. This comes after she faced backlash once again for a recent anti-Trump TikTok post, in which she shared a video of artwork depicting four severed heads of billionaires, including Trump. The video caused a fury among Trump supporters, with many criticizing Griffin for her seemingly endorsement of violence against the President.
Despite the controversy, Griffin appears to be doubling down on her anti-Trump stance. In one of her recent public outings, she was seen rocking a T-shirt with her face from her 2017 Laugh Your Head Off World Tour, a tour that was likely impacted by the backlash from the severed head photo. It seems that Griffin is not backing down from her criticism of Trump, even if it costs her career opportunities, as it did in 2017 when she lost her hosting gig with CNN.
Griffin's willingness to speak out against Trump, despite the potential consequences, has garnered both praise and criticism. Some may applaud her bravery and unwavering commitment to her political beliefs. However, others may view her actions as unnecessarily provocative and insensitive, particularly in light of the current political climate and the increasing threats against public figures.
As Griffin continues to make headlines, the public will be watching to see if she can successfully navigate the challenges of being a vocal critic of one of the most polarizing presidents in US history. Can she find a way to express her political views without resorting to imagery that many perceive as violent and disturbing? The answer to this question will likely shape the trajectory of her career and public image in the years to come.
The road to Griffin's comeback will not be easy, but if she can strike a balance between her political beliefs and a more thoughtful approach to her public image, she may yet rebuild her career and reconnect with her fans in a meaningful way.
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Frequently asked questions
The "chick with the Trump head" refers to comedian Kathy Griffin, who posted a photo of herself holding a mask made to look like a severed head of then-US President Donald Trump.
Griffin said she wanted to do something "to shame Trump."
The photo sparked widespread outrage, including from the Trump family. Griffin was fired by CNN, faced threats of criminal charges, and was placed on the US no-fly list.
Yes, Griffin lost work immediately. She was blacklisted and fired by CNN from their New Year's Eve program.
Yes, Griffin has tried to make a comeback and recently finished a comedy special called "A Hell of a Story."
