Franken Cancels Gig With Kathy Griffin After Trump Beheading Photo

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By Daniel J. Solomon June 2, 2017

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 solomon@forward.com or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon

Daniel J. Solomon is the former Assistant to the Editor/News Writer at the Forward. Originally from Queens, he attended Harvard as an undergraduate, where he wrote his senior thesis on French-Jewish intellectual history. He is excited to have returned to New York after his time in Massachusetts. Daniel’s passions include folk music, cycling, and pointed argument.

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