Kathy Griffin defended her use of a private jet while traveling on her comedy tour, stating that she joked about losing money on the tour because of the jet but believed it was worth it. She mentioned that she gets to sleep with her dogs and avoids Donald Trump supporters who approach her in airports due to her controversial past where she posted a photo of herself holding a mask resembling the severed head of the then-president.
Griffin had faced backlash for her photo in 2017, which led to her being placed on the no-fly list and under federal investigation. Initially, she apologized for the incident but later retracted her apology, citing Trump’s behavior as the reason for her controversial image. The outrage surrounding the incident caused her to pay over $1 million in legal fees, lose her job, and spiral into addiction to prescription pills, leading her to attempt suicide.
In 2021, Griffin was diagnosed with lung cancer, resulting in the removal of one of her lungs. She later declared that she was cancer-free after the surgery. She also underwent vocal cord surgery earlier this year to restore her voice. Despite the challenges she faced due to her controversies and health issues, Griffin is back on tour with her first stand-up tour since 2018, showing resilience in her career pursuits amidst personal struggles.
The 63-year-old comedian expressed regret for the backlash she faced over the controversial photo, stating that it was blown out of proportion and that she no longer felt sorry for it. She defended her actions by pointing out Trump’s behavior as the reason for her image and acknowledged that the outrage was unjustified. Griffin faced significant repercussions for the incident, including financial losses, unemployment, and mental health issues that impacted her wellbeing.
Griffin’s use of a private jet for her tour reflects her desire for comfort and security while traveling, given her past experiences with the public and authorities. She mentioned her close bond with her rescue dogs and her avoidance of Trump supporters as reasons for using the jet. Despite the criticisms she faced for her actions, Griffin remains resilient in pursuing her career and performing stand-up comedy, showcasing her determination to overcome challenges and continue entertaining audiences.
