CNN FIRES KATHY GRIFFIN FROM NEW YEAR'S EVE LINEUP

CNN FIRES KATHY GRIFFIN FROM NEW YEAR'S EVE LINEUP



CNN has fired comedian Kathy Griffin from her annual gig co-hosting its New Year's Eve program with network anchor Anderson Cooper, following a shock-value photo shoot that depicted her holding President Donald Trump's blood-gushing severed head.

'CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program,' the network's PR department tweeted.

Trump's 11-year-old son Barron reportedly saw his father's decapitated head on television after news of the D-list celebrity's publicity stunt became news – and thought it was real.

First lady Melania Trump said that '[a]s a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing.'

'When you consider some of the atrocities happening in the world today, a photo opportunity like this is simply wrong and makes you wonder about the mental health of the person who did it.'



The president lashed out at Kathy Griffin on Wednesday morning, saying she 'should be ashamed of herself' for posting video of the photo shoot on social media.

'My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!' Trump tweeted.

The Trumps' anger, and public pressure, became too much for CNN to withstand.

But one liberal politician has decided to stay with Griffin, refusing to cancel a joint appearance in July.

Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken told CNN 'Yes,' when asked if he plans on appearing with Griffin in his home state.

'I think she did the right thing,” Franken said of Griffin's eventual apology. 'I think asking for forgiveness and acknowledging that this, this was a horrible mistake.'

The Route 66 Casino near Albuquerque, New Mexico was less forgiving.

'The performance by Kathy Griffin on July 22nd has been cancelled,' the company wrote on its Facebook page. 'Any guests that did purchase tickets will receive a full refund.'



Griffin also lost an unconventional endorsement deal with Squatty Potty, a company that makes ergonomic footstools designed to ease bowel movements.

'We were shocked and disappointed to learn about the image Ms. Griffin shared today, it was deeply inappropriate and runs contrary to the core values our company stands for. In response, Squatty Potty has suspended its ad campaign featuring Ms. Griffin,' company CEO Bobby Edwards said in a statement.

'We have acted swiftly and decisively to demonstrate our commitment to a culture of decency, civility, and tolerance,' the toilet aid company's statement continued.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer resisted the temptation to pile on during his Wednesday press briefing, which was conducted off-camera.

He allowed the president and first lady's statements, and one from the Secret Service, to speak for themselves.

People close to the Trump family told TMZ that Barron panicked at the make-believe sight of his beheaded dad and screamed for his mother Melania.

'He's 11. He doesn't know who Kathy Griffin is and the head she was holding resembled his dad,' one source said.



Griffin apologized on Tuesday for posting the video following a furious backlash and a hint at an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service.

The controversial entertainer tweeted: 'I am sorry. I went too far. I was wrong.'

In the video Griffin is seen slowly raising Trump's head during a photo shoot with infamous photographer Tyler Shields.

She also posted a video promising to remove the offending image after she was lambasted by all sides of the political spectrum, including Chelsea Clinton.

But the apology had little effect on an army of critics, both Trump supporters and Democrats from attacking Griffin on social media for the outrageous stunt.

Even her long-time New Years Eve co-host Anderson Cooper said he was 'appalled' by the photo shoot, which he described as 'clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate.'

Meanwhile, the Secret Service made an oblique reference to the controversy on Twitter, reminding everyone that any threats against the president are taken seriously.



'On it! @SecretService has a robust protective intelligence division that monitors open source reporting & social media to evaluate threats. Threats made against @SecretService protectees receive the highest priority of all of our investigations. #ProtectionNeverRests.'

The agency later released a statement saying that '[i]t is always unfortunate when people make statements that could be perceived as threats. We don't have the luxury of knowing a person's intent. Each alleged or perceived threat has to be investigated thoroughly which taxes Secret Service manpower and resources that could be utilized elsewhere.'

As the firestorm of criticism surrounding Griffin increased a CNN spokesman said that they were 'evaluating' Griffin's long-time role hosting its New Year’s Eve coverage but have 'made no decisions at this point'

'We found what she did disgusting and offensive. We are pleased t