Comedian Kathy Griffin’s latest tour, “My Life on the PTSD-List,” stirs controversy with its bold approach to her tumultuous history with former President Donald Trump.
At a Glance
- Griffin’s new tour addresses the aftermath of her controversial Trump photo
- She jokes about potential consequences if Trump returns to office
- The comedian faced significant backlash, including a Secret Service investigation
- Despite controversy, Griffin maintains her patriotism and love for America
- Her career has been impacted, but she remains resilient and hopeful for a comeback
Griffin’s Controversial Comeback
Kathy Griffin, known for her provocative comedy, is back on tour with “My Life on the PTSD-List,” a show that directly confronts the fallout from her infamous 2017 photo depicting a decapitated Donald Trump. The comedian’s bold approach to addressing the controversy has reignited discussions about the boundaries of political satire and free speech.
Griffin’s tour promotion has raised eyebrows with her tongue-in-cheek advice to fans. “Come see me before I’m in one of those internment camps,” Griffin quipped, referencing her fears of potential repercussions if Trump were to regain the presidency. This statement, while clearly meant as humor, underscores the tension that still exists between the comedian and the former president.
The Trump Photo Fallout
The controversial photo, which Griffin claims was inspired by Trump’s comments about Megyn Kelly, led to severe consequences for the comedian. She faced a Secret Service investigation, was placed on a no-fly list, and lost a significant portion of her audience. The incident also resulted in her being blacklisted by major networks and losing numerous job opportunities.
“I’m on the enemies list. That’s very obvious. He was very, very scared when I did a parody photo of him and a Halloween mask and a lot of ketchup. And he brings up my name every chance he gets,” Griffin said.
Despite the backlash, Griffin has remained defiant, emphasizing the First Amendment protection of her actions. She has also expressed frustration with what she perceives as a disproportionate response to her actions compared to male comedians who have made similar jokes.
Patriotism Amid Controversy
While Griffin’s comedy often targets political figures, she maintains a strong sense of patriotism. “Don’t tell me I’m not a patriot, darn it,” Griffin asserted, highlighting her history of performing for U.S. troops overseas. This juxtaposition of criticism and love for country adds complexity to Griffin’s public persona and her comedy.
“I’m going to have to do this one myself. Like, nobody’s got a shovel for me and is going to help me dig my way out of it. I’m keeping the faith. I’m being positive. I’m a little bitter, but hopefully funny first,” Griffin said.
Griffin’s resilience in the face of adversity has been notable. Despite the challenges, she has continued to perform, self-financing projects and embarking on successful tours. Her “Laugh Your Head Off” world tour grossed $4.4 million and received positive reviews, demonstrating that there is still an audience for her brand of comedy.
The Road to Redemption
As Griffin continues her comeback efforts, she faces ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry. The stigma of the controversy, combined with what she perceives as ageism, has made securing new work difficult. However, recent speaking engagements and awards have given her hope for a potential shift in public perception.
Griffin’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of provocative political humor in a highly polarized society. It also raises questions about the nature of public forgiveness and the long-term impacts of viral controversies on entertainers’ careers.
