Kathy Griffin Wears Trump Mask in Comedy Comeback After Beheading Photo Controversy

Kathy Griffin makes comedic return wearing Trump Mask
Kathy Griffin speaks during a press conference at the Bloom Firm on June 2 in Woodland Hills, California. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Comedian Kathy Griffin has kept a low profile since sparking a controversy in May over a photograph in which she held the severed head of President Donald Trump. She returned to the standup stage Sunday—and immediately mocked Trump.

Appearing at the annual Aid for AIDS fundraiser Best in Drag Show in Los Angeles, Griffin came on wearing a mask of the president's face, both middle fingers raised, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In video clips that have been posted by audience members on Twitter, Griffin can be seen parading around the stage before throwing the mask on the ground, twice.

Making first public appearance, @kathygriffin takes stage at LA drag show wearing @realDonaldTrump mask, waving middle fingers in air. #BIDS pic.twitter.com/55QHdifqwP

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) October 9, 2017

Her appearance included plenty of jokes on current events—such as the sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein's termination from The Weinstein Company—as well as her own controversy. Griffin, referring to herself as a "genuine comedy fugitive," sported a blue dress with a giant pussybow, similar to the one she wore in the controversial photo. Her own mother, she said, took Fox News host Sean Hannity's side.

A big F-you from Kathy Griffin. Comic returns to the stage wearing full Donald Trump head mask, middle fingers, then fist, in the air.🖕🏻🖕🏻✊🏻 pic.twitter.com/wp4UWworv0

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) October 9, 2017

The extensive backlash had Griffin apologizing for the photograph at first, but she changed course in August, calling the outrage over the photo "B.S." during an interview on the Australian morning show Sunrise. "I've been through the mill," she said. "My entire tour was canceled within 24 hours because every single theater got all these death threats. These Trump fans are hardcore. They are a minority, but they know how to act like they're a majority."

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Michigan native, Janice Williams is a graduate of Oakland University where she studied journalism and communication. Upon relocating to New ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go