Comedian Kathy Griffin is reflecting on the significant backlash she faced over her controversial 2017 photo that depicted a mock severed head of then-President Donald Trump, an image that sparked intense national outrage. In a recent interview with People at Out Magazine’s Out100 party, Griffin shared that her perspective has transformed since that incident, and she even counts some Trump supporters among her friends.
Reflecting on her past experiences, Griffin admitted, “I think I spent a lot of my life, whether it was romantically or career-wise, thinking somebody would change or I could maybe skew someone’s perspective.” She noted that despite the divisiveness of politics, she has managed to connect with individuals holding opposing views.
The infamous photo, which showed Griffin holding a Halloween mask smeared with ketchup resembling Trump’s severed head, was met with criticism from both parties and raised concerns about promoting violence against a sitting president. This led to an investigation by the Secret Service to determine if the image constituted a threat against Trump. The fallout was significant, resulting in Griffin losing approximately a third of her fan base, being fired as a co-host on CNN’s New Year’s Eve special, and experiencing challenges in securing performances afterward.
Despite these challenges, Griffin expressed the importance of engaging with individuals who have differing opinions. “I find it important to be around people that do have different opinions,” she stated, highlighting her growth in navigating these relationships.
At the Out100 Celebration, where she was honored as Advocate of the Year, Griffin acknowledged that many still associate her with the Trump photo, making it a recurrent topic in her interactions. She remarked that some Trump supporters find her presence “triggering” because of that infamous image, yet she also receives compliments on it.
Griffin remains adamant about the necessity of speaking out on political issues despite the backlash she continues to endure. “This administration is really coming for the LGBT community,” she emphasized, underscoring her belief that political engagement is crucial for everyone, asserting that “gay rights are civil rights.”
Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the power of dialogue and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even when faced with significant opposition. Griffin’s ability to bridge divides and foster friendships across the political spectrum offers a hopeful perspective on moving beyond past controversies.