Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kathy Griffin

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

Kathleen Mary Griffin, known professionally as Kathy Griffin, is an American comedian and actress. She's recognized for her stand-up comedy, television series appearances, and numerous comedy specials and albums. Griffin gained wider recognition for her reality show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, for which she won Primetime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2008. In addition to her comedy work, she has played supporting roles in various films.

Sections (5)

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

2005: Dakota Fanning Joke and Bans

In 2005, Kathy Griffin made a joke about Dakota Fanning at an E! televised event, leading to her being banned from several television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The View. She was also re-banned from The View after a joke about Barbara Walters.

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May 2006: Divorce from Matt Moline

In May 2006, Kathy Griffin and computer administrator Matt Moline divorced. Griffin accused Moline of stealing $72,000 from her on Larry King Live.

2008: Sarah Palin jokes

Since the 2008 presidential election, Kathy Griffin has made jokes about Sarah Palin and her family. Griffin parodied Palin on Glee and made fun of Christine O'Donnell.

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July 2009: Apollo Theater Ban

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

December 31, 2009: New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper

On December 31, 2009, Kathy Griffin co-hosted CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper, during which she used profanity, causing controversy.

2010: Confrontation with Michele Bachmann

In 2010, Kathy Griffin confronted Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann over her views on homosexuality at the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association Dinner. Griffin stated she asked Bachmann "were you born a bigot or did you grow into it".

March 2011: Sarah Palin calls Griffin a "bully"

In March 2011, Sarah Palin responded to Kathy Griffin by calling her a "bully" due to Griffin making fun of Palin and her daughter, Bristol Palin, in her comedy routines.

May 2017: Fallout from Trump photo

In May 2017, Kathy Griffin was dropped by Squatty Potty, and CNN fired her from its New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper due to the Trump photo controversy. All remaining tour dates were canceled.

May 30, 2017: Posting of Trump severed head photo

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

June 2, 2017: Lisa Bloom's statement

On June 2, 2017, Lisa Bloom, Kathy Griffin's attorney, stated that the Trump severed head photo was not intended as a threat of violence against Trump and Griffin stated that the Trump family was "trying to ruin my life forever".

August 2017: Worldwide Comedy Tour Announcement

In August 2017, Kathy Griffin announced her worldwide "Laugh Your Head Off" comedy tour, referencing the Trump severed head controversy, with shows selling out quickly.

August 2017: Defense of Trump photo

In August 2017, during an interview on Australian television, Kathy Griffin defended the Trump photo saying it was not more important than the atrocities committed by the President of the United States.

October 28, 2017: Release of A Hell of a Story Video

On October 28, 2017, Kathy Griffin uploaded a YouTube video titled "Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story" detailing the backlash she received for the Trump photo controversy, which became the basis for her A Hell of a Story concert film. Griffin also said she was under a federal investigation and on the No Fly and Interpol lists.

November 2017: Retraction of Apology

In November 2017, Kathy Griffin appeared on Skavlan and retracted her apology for the Trump photo, saying she had received bad advice at the time.

2017: CNN termination and Law & Order guest role

In 2017, CNN terminated Kathy Griffin from its New Year's Eve broadcast after the Trump severed head photo controversy. In 2009, Griffin also guest-starred in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as a lesbian activist.

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2017: Donald Trump severed head controversy

In 2017, Kathy Griffin faced controversy for holding a mask styled as Donald Trump's severed head, leading to a Secret Service investigation.

November 4, 2020: Re-posting of Trump severed head photo

On November 4, 2020, which was Kathy Griffin's 60th birthday and the day after the 2020 United States presidential election, Griffin re-posted a photo of herself with a model of Donald Trump's bloody, severed head.

November 6, 2022: Twitter Suspension

On November 6, 2022, Kathy Griffin was suspended from Twitter for impersonating Elon Musk. She used his profile photo and changed her name, tweeting under his name to vote for Democrats and was later reinstated on November 18.