Kathy Griffin Addresses Old Photo with Trump and Stands by Controversial Image

Comedian Kathy Griffin clarified a circulated image of herself with President Donald Trump at an event, stating, “not an AI photo.” She addressed the image in a video on her YouTube channel, mentioning that people have sent her the image repeatedly. Griffin described Trump as “someone I used to know, but now I don’t care to know any longer.” She confirmed the photo’s authenticity and noted their past friendly relationship.

Griffin expressed disbelief at the image. “There was a time I knew Donald as someone who would show up at the opening of an envelope,” she said. Griffin recalled sitting next to Trump on several occasions when he found her jokes amusing. She emphasized that she was not glorifying Trump, insisting the image was genuine, highlighting her ability to still fit into the dress from the original event, which likely dated back 20 years.

Despite her criticisms of Trump, Griffin remarked positively about a photo with Trump and financial TV personality Suze Orman, stating, “It captures the 2000s so much.” She recounted frequently encountering Trump at events, as he was a prominent figure during that time.

Griffin acknowledged that many of her images with Trump circulate on the internet, often reposted by MAGA supporters who challenge her past interactions with the former president. She reiterated her humorous intent in a controversial 2017 photo, where she posed with a Halloween mask resembling Trump’s severed head, claiming the satire was justified.

That particular image drew wide criticism, leading to a Secret Service investigation regarding a potential threat to Trump. Previously apologizing for the picture, Griffin has since retracted her apology. She now views the image differently, stating she is “proud” of the act, even describing herself as ahead of her time. Griffin commented, “People still define me by it. Now, I really own it, and I absolutely lean into it.”

Comments from the White House on this matter were sought by Fox News Digital.

Fox News’ Madison Columbo and Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] or on Twitter: @lmkornick.