Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kathy Griffin

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2026

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Kathy Griffin.

Kathleen Mary Griffin is an American comedian and actress recognized for her stand-up specials, television roles, and comedy albums. She is best known for her reality show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2008. Griffin has also taken on supporting roles in various films throughout her career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2005: Dakota Fanning Joke

In 2005, Kathy Griffin made a joke during an E! televised event saying that eleven-year-old actor Dakota Fanning had entered drug rehabilitation.

2008: Frequent jokes about Sarah Palin

Since the 2008 presidential election, Kathy Griffin has made frequent jokes about Sarah Palin and her family.

July 2009: Banned from Apollo Theater

In July 2009, Kathy Griffin used profanity in an Octomom joke during her routine at New York's Apollo Theater, resulting in a ban from the venue.

August 2009: Re-banned from The View

As of August 2009, Kathy Griffin had been un-banned from The View.

December 31, 2009: CNN New Year's Eve Co-host

On December 31, 2009, Kathy Griffin co-hosted CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper and made a controversial statement during the show.

2010: Confrontation with Michele Bachmann

In 2010, Kathy Griffin confronted Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann about her views on homosexuality at the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association Dinner. Griffin reportedly asked Bachmann if she was born a bigot or grew into it, referencing Bachmann's belief that homosexuality is environmental.

March 2011: Sarah Palin called Griffin a "bully"

In March 2011, Sarah Palin responded to Kathy Griffin by calling her a "bully" due to Griffin's long-time criticism of Sarah Palin and making fun of Palin's daughter, Bristol Palin, using the Palin family as material for her comedy routines.

May 2017: Dropped by Squatty Potty and Fired by CNN

In May 2017, Kathy Griffin was dropped by Squatty Potty as a spokesperson, and CNN fired her from its New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper, due to the controversial photo.

May 30, 2017: Posts Trump Severed Head Video

On May 30, 2017, Kathy Griffin posted a video of herself holding "a mask styled to look like the severed, bloody head" of then U.S. President Donald Trump on her Instagram and Twitter accounts.

June 2, 2017: Lisa Bloom statement

On June 2, 2017, Kathy Griffin's attorney, Lisa Bloom, stated that the Trump severed head photo was never intended as a threat.

August 2017: Announcement of Worldwide Comedy Tour

In August 2017, Kathy Griffin announced a worldwide comedy tour titled "Laugh Your Head Off", a reference to her controversial depiction of Donald Trump's severed head.

August 2017: Australian Television Interview

In August 2017, during an interview on Australian television, Kathy Griffin defended her controversial photo and criticized the focus on it compared to the actions of the U.S. President.

October 28, 2017: Uploads YouTube video 'Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story'

On October 28, 2017, Kathy Griffin uploaded a YouTube video titled "Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story", which is about the backlash she received for the Trump photo controversy.

November 2017: Takes Back Apology for Trump Photo

In November 2017, Kathy Griffin appeared on Skavlan and retracted her apology for the controversial photo with the model of Donald Trump's severed head.

2017: CNN Termination

In 2017, CNN terminated Kathy Griffin from its New Year's Eve Broadcast after Griffin showed pictures of herself holding a bloody, model severed head resembling President Donald Trump.

2017: Controversy over Donald Trump severed head photo

In 2017, Kathy Griffin faced controversy for holding a mask stylized as Donald Trump's severed head.

November 4, 2020: Posts another Trump Severed Head Photo

On November 4, 2020, Kathy Griffin (on her 60th birthday) once again posted a photo of herself with a model of Donald Trump's bloody, severed head.

November 6, 2022: Suspension from Twitter for Impersonating Elon Musk

On November 6, 2022, Kathy Griffin was suspended from Twitter after impersonating Elon Musk. She used his profile photo, changed her name, and tweeted under his name, urging people to vote for Democrats. Elon Musk then announced that impersonating a public figure would lead to permanent suspension.