Kathy Griffin, 65, considers herself ‘uncanceled’… a decade after Trump severed head controversy

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Kathy Griffin believes she’s been proven right – and is now considered ‘uncanceled’ – almost nine years after a photo she posted, depicting a severed head resembling President Donald Trump, led to significant personal and career repercussions.

A 65-year-old comedian spoke with WUSF on Thursday about the aftermath of a national controversy from nearly ten years ago. The situation led to the loss of several well-paying jobs and a federal investigation.

The Emmy-winning comedian expressed surprise and relief at being ‘uncanceled,’ saying she never thought it would happen.

Originally from Oak Park, Illinois, she described the aftermath of the scandal and how she’s been working to rebuild her career since then.

Griffin explained that she took seven years off from work. When she returned to touring, she created a special performance that’s now available for free on YouTube, titled ‘Kathy Griffin: My Life on the PTSD List’.

Griffin acknowledged the enduring connection to the famous photo taken by Tyler Shields, explaining, ‘People continue to identify me because of it.’

After all the controversies surrounding Trump, Griffin believes her early artistic protest feels especially prescient and validated.

Griffin now fully embraces that period, feeling vindicated because his ideas were correct and ahead of their time. Looking back at a photo from that time, he feels proud, especially because of his relationship with Donald.

She opened up about her longtime link to Trump that preceded his foray into politics.

Griffin said they’ve been acquainted since the 1990s and have worked together. He found it very strange that this person specifically sought him out.

She revealed a comedic reaction Trump had whenever he ran into her when they were on better terms.

Griffin described how the person would seem frightened whenever they met, making a gesture like a cross with four fingers and muttering, “Oh, here she comes. She’s going to be tough on me. Don’t make fun of my hair.”

Since May 2017, Melissa Griffin has found strength in advice from comedian Jim Carrey, which helped her cope with a difficult period.

Griffin recalled a conversation with Jim Carrey shortly after the controversial photo went viral. Carrey had told her that many comedians would consider such attention a dream come true, even amidst the backlash she was facing.

Kathy Griffin said that when she was upset, Jim suggested she try to find the humor in the situation, telling her to look at it through the lens of her comedy.

‘And then when I finally went back on the road after seven years, it was fantastic.

I’m amazed by how supportive the audiences have been – every single one! It really feels like they’re welcoming me with open arms.

After the photo appeared and caused public criticism, Griffin was dropped from his New Year’s Eve hosting job with CNN, where he was supposed to co-host with Anderson Cooper.

Trump reacted to a photo by Kathy Griffin with a tweet saying she should be ashamed of herself, explaining that his children, particularly his 11-year-old son Barron, were upset by it and calling the situation ‘sick’.

Griffin subsequently apologized for the photo in a video, saying, ‘I sincerely apologize. 

I’m just realizing how people are reacting to these images, and I clearly made a mistake. I went too far, and the image is deeply upsetting. I understand why it’s offensive, and I take responsibility.

The artist, Griffin, based the image on past comments made by Donald Trump, specifically his use of aggressive language about journalist Megyn Kelly.

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2026-02-13 18:48