CNN sacks Kathy Griffin over Trump video as backlash builds
Published 12:45 pm Wednesday, June 7, 2017
NEW YORK — Kathy Griffin has lost a decade-long gig ringing in the new year for CNN as a backlash builds over her video displaying a like- ness of President Donald trump’s severed head.
CNN, which had called the images “disgusting and offensive” after Griffin posted the video on tues- day, announced Wednesday it would not invite her back this year for the times Square live New Year’s Eve special she had co-hosted annually since 2007 with CNN’s Anderson Cooper.
A New Mexico casino has also canceled a performance by Griffin, who was scheduled to perform at Route 66 Casino, operated by Laguna Pueblo, on July 22. and a commercial endorsement deal was canceled just weeks after she landed it. Squatty Potty, a Utah-based company whose products include toilet stools and other bathroom accessories, said it was suspending an ad campaign that featured Griffin.
“We were shocked and disappointed” by the video, said Bobby Edwards, the company’s CEO. “It was deeply inappropriate and runs contrary to the core values our company stands for.”
“I am a true supporter of free speech, but feel Kathy crossed the line,” Edwards added. “I regret having to make these decisions, but have no choice.”
Griffin’s video made Trump seethe. tweeting Wednesday morning, he said Griffin “should be ashamed of herself” for creating the video.