Franken Cancels Gig With Kathy Griffin After Trump Beheading Photo

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Sen. Al Franken has canceled an appearance with the comedian Kathy Griffin after she was harshly criticized for posting a photo that showed her holding what resembled the severed head of President Trump.
“I believe what Kathy Griffin did was inappropriate and not something that should be anywhere in our national discourse. I consider her a friend and I’m glad she realized she crossed the line and apologized,” the Minnesota senator said in a statement.
“After hearing from many Minnesotans who were rightfully offended, I’ve come to the conclusion that it would be best for her not to participate in the event we had previously scheduled. I understand why Minnesotans were upset by this, and I take that very seriously.”
Franken was scheduled to appear with Griffin at a July event promoting his new memoir, “Al Franken: Giant of the Senate.” Franken had initially stood by his invitation to Griffin, who has been a generous financial contributor to Senate Democrats.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
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