Tyler Shields photographed Kathy Griffin holding a fake, bloodied replica of Donald Trump’s severed head in a 2017 satirical shoot. The image triggered an apology, ended Griffin’s New Year’s Eve role at CNN and drew Secret Service attention. Griffin later said she would do the shoot again.
What the Kathy Griffin Trump photo showed
Griffin and photographer Tyler Shields posted the image on May 30, 2017. It showed Griffin holding a prop made to resemble Trump’s severed, bloodied head—not an actual head. Griffin’s caption referred to Trump’s earlier remarks about Fox News host Megyn Kelly. ABC News reported on the image and its context.
How Griffin and her lawyer framed the image
Griffin’s caption connected the image to Trump’s remarks about Kelly. At a press conference, her lawyer, Lisa Bloom, described it as parody that took Trump’s remarks to an extreme. That was their explanation of the image’s intent, rather than an independently established account of what the photograph meant.
Bloom’s characterization of the photo was reported by CBS Los Angeles on June 2, 2017.
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Griffin’s apology and the immediate backlash
The image drew widespread criticism. Griffin initially apologized, saying she had gone too far, and later issued a video apology. The controversy also brought the Secret Service’s attention. ABC News covered the initial response and investigation.
What happened to Griffin’s CNN role and the investigation
The day after the image appeared, CNN ended Griffin’s agreement to appear on its New Year’s Eve program. TIME reported the network’s decision on May 31, 2017.
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In July 2017, Griffin said the federal investigation had ended. That describes her reported account of the investigation’s status; the reporting cited here does not establish a separate Secret Service statement confirming its closure. TIME reported Griffin’s statement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Griffin’s later view of the shoot
In a 2019 interview, Griffin said she would do the shoot again. She also described the threats, cancellations and investigations that followed the photo. Those remarks were her retrospective account, reported by CBS News.
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