On Tuesday, a gruesome image surfaced of comedian Kathy Griffin holding a fake decapitated head of President Donald Trump.
The image was not well received.
After an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the aisle (in a short period of time), Griffin kicked into apology mode.
The co-host of CNN's annual New Year's Eve program tweeted out a regretful video message. “I’m a comic. I crossed the line," she said. "I moved the line and then I crossed the line. I went way too far. The image is too disturbing. I understand how it offends people, it wasn’t funny.”
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The damage was done. Today, CNN fired the 56-year-old actress and host.
CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 31, 2017
The network tweeted a brief statement earlier today about its decision to cut ties with Griffin. “CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year’s Eve program,” it read.
As reported by People, the initial statement released said: “We found what she did disgusting and offensive. We are pleased to see she has apologized and asked that the photos be taken down. We are evaluating our New Year’s Eve coverage and have made no decisions at this time.”
In addition to taking down the images, Griffin also asked that the controversial photographer behind the them, Tyler Shields, do the same.
Yesterday, a number of public figures denounced the image, including Donald Trump and Chelsea Clinton. Griffin’s former NYE co-host and friend, Anderson Cooper, also condemned Griffin’s behavior.
"For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in. It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate," he tweeted.
Griffin has not publicly responded to the decision.
For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in. It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate.
— Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) May 31, 2017
Will @CNN keep putting her on air for things like the New Years celebration??? https://t.co/jaFmULmboZ
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 30, 2017
This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. https://t.co/zIiuKoMyFw
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) May 30, 2017
I am sorry. I went too far. I was wrong. pic.twitter.com/LBKvqf9xFB
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) May 30, 2017
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