When even CNN lashes out against anti-Trump behavior you know it’s serious.
Comedian Kathy Griffin became the target of well-placed backlash after photos taken by celebrity photographer Tyler Shields were released showing Griffin holding a mock decapitated head that resembled President Donald Trump. The gruesome image went viral and social media responded by blasting Griffin, who is a staunch critic of President Trump. People from every end of the political spectrum spoke out against the disgusting image featuring Griffin holding a severed head by the hair that was covered in blood.
Everyone from Kelly Ann Conway to Anderson Cooper took to Twitter to condemn the disturbing image. Even Chelsea Clinton weighed in to say, “It is never funny to joke about killing a president.” Donald Trump Jr. expressed his disgust, but also said that he isn’t surprised, stating: “This is the left today. They consider this acceptable. Imagine a conservative did this to Obama as POTUS?” While former President Obama did receive hateful messages implying his lynching in effigy, it wasn’t ever on this scale delivered by a person with a platform like Kathy Griffin’s. She has a lot of influence and has a voice capable of carrying a message. This particular message just happened to encourage violence against a sitting president.
Even CNN released a statement calling the photo inappropriate. In fact, it was reported that Griffin’s job with CNN is currently on the line as they weigh the decision whether or not to keep Griffin on the payroll for their New Year’s Eve coverage.
Only after drawing fierce nonstop criticism did Kathy Griffin decide it was time for damage control. She went on social media, where she issued a public apology for the photo shoot. She also acknowledged that what she did was wrong and she had crossed the line while attempting to practice her comedic craft.
However, I have to point out the fact that in video footage documenting the behind the scenes action of the controversial photo shoot, Griffin states that she and Shields are “not afraid to do images that make noise.” She also joked about having to leave the country to avoid federal prison upon release of the image. Knowing the impact that would be made by releasing the photo, Griffin made light of possible consequences to her actions. It may be too little too late. As of the time of her clearly staged apology, Griffin has lost one endorsement over her decision to participate in the controversial photo.
Tyler Shields is a highly controversial photographer who apparently specializes in blood and gore. He seems to incorporate a lot of women into his bloody sets, which is disturbing. He has also been under fire before for photographs of an actress with bruises on her face. Protestors said the photo made light of domestic abuse. In an attempt to be edgy, these “artists” started a conversation that both Republicans and Democrats share sentiments on. There is no artistic value in creating images that depict the beheading of the President of the United States.
Should you wish to see the video you can find it here.
