Kathy Griffin Reveals Status of Federal Investigation After Donald Trump Photo Controversy

Kathy Griffin has had a difficult few months after sharing a controversial photo shoot in which she held a bloody, decapitated head that resembled President Donald Trump.

The gory image surfaced online and the 56-year-old comedienne was met with extreme criticism.

Warning: this article contains graphic content.

In the shocking photo, which was obtained by TMZ, Griffin stares at the camera with a blank expression on her face as she holds a fake model of Trump’s head that is covered in blood.

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The snap was taken during a session with photographer Tyler Shields, who is known for his controversial pictures.

Before the photo shoot, Griffin and Shields joked that they may have to move to Mexico because of the outrage that would be caused by the grisly image.

“Can you go to jail for making an artistic statement?? Asking for a friend… @kathygriffin,” Shields tweeted.

Shields also tweeted a link to a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot. The clip was originally published on YouTube, however, the video has been removed.

In the video, Griffin says: “This is fake blood, just so you know. I won’t give away what we’re doing, but Tyler and I are not afraid to do the images that make noise. He also lights me to the point where I look about 15. First I’m an artist, but really it’s good lighting.”

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Griffin then joked: “We’re going to prison – federal prison. Call your dad, apologize.”

She was reportedly interviewed by the Secret Service weeks after releasing the photo. “Kathy Griffin has been interviewed by the Secret Service, in-person, for over an hour,” tweeted New York Magazine reporter Yashar Ali on Monday, July 3.

Griffin addressed the federal investigation on Twitter Friday.

Photo Credit: Getty / Frederick M. Brown

Kathy Griffin’s Federal Investigation Case

Griffin confirmed on Twitter that she is no longer under federal investigation following the release of the controversial photo.

“TODAY. The @AP has to clarify. I am no longer under federal investigation,” the comedian wrote on Friday, July 28. “The case is closed, I have been completely exonerated. Finally.”

In her tweet, Griffin shared a screen grab from the Associated Press report that future explains the situation.

Griffin received immense backlash for the photo and was fired from CNN’s New Year’s Eve special as a repercussion.

“CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year’s Eve program,” the network tweeted, after calling the images “disgusting and offensive.”

In addition to social media criticism, her fellow Hollywood stars added their two cents in on the controversy.

Roseanne Barr Slammed Griffin

Roseanne Barr isn’t one to mince words, and the sitcom star blasted Griffin in defense of President Trump’s son, Barron Trump.

The 63-year-old actress tweeted: “two of my grandsons r Barron Trump’s age. I would slap the f*ck out of any b*tch or any pr*ck who upset them – trust me on that.”

The Roseanne star was referring to the highly controversial image from Griffin’s latest photoshoot.

Shortly after her sharing her message about slapping Griffin, Barr was met by a swift response from her Twitter fans and followers. Many commenters echoed her sentiment saying that they have the same reaction if someone upset their grandchildren.

As for Barron Trump, the youngster reportedly believed that the gruesome image was real and that something horrible happened to his father. Barron was watching TV at home with his mother when the Kathy Griffin photo appeared on the screen. Barron reportedly panicked and screamed, “Mommy, Mommy!”

Trump confirmed via Twitter that his son was horrified over the incident.

The former Apprentice star tweeted: “Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!”

Alec Baldwin Offered Support

Griffin didn’t receive all hate from the photo. Alec Baldwin offered support to the comedian in a series of tweets.

Warning: The following tweets feature graphic language.

In 1998, Baldwin appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and, while discussing Bill Clinton’s impeachment, got worked up and said he would go to politician Henry Hyde’s house and stone him to death, and would then go to his house to kill his wife and children. The tirade ended with O’Brien intervening and putting an oxygen mask over his mouth in hopes of getting him to calm down.

At the time, Baldwin came under fire for his threats, much like the criticism Griffin is currently facing.

In addition to Baldwin being politically active, he combined his acting talents with his passionate dislike of Donald Trump beginning in October when he mimicked the former reality star for Saturday Night Live. He has continued to mock Trump in the months since, possibly not realizing that portraying the former Home Alone 2 star would lead to a regular gig following his election.