Kathy Griffin Alleges Ban from 'The Tonight Show' Over Controversial Persona

Comedian Kathy Griffin recently asserted in an Instagram video that she believes she has been effectively barred from "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," suggesting her public image as "inappropriate and controversial" is the reason.

"I have not done the Jimmy Fallon show since it was on at 12:30 Eastern and Pacific, so I guess I’m banned from the Fallon show, or inappropriate, or too controversial," Griffin explained in her social media post. She added, "I don’t even know. When you’re banned from a show — and if you guys know me, I’m banned from most of them. You’re welcome, America and Indonesia — they don’t usually tell you you’re banned. They just can’t seem to find room for you."

Past Controversies and Public Reaction

Griffin's career has been marked by several high-profile controversies, most notably in 2017 when she faced widespread bipartisan condemnation. This followed the release of an image depicting her holding a Halloween mask covered in what appeared to be ketchup, resembling the severed head of then-President Donald Trump. The incident led to an investigation by the Secret Service to determine if the image constituted a threat against the president.

Critique of 'Tonight Show' Guest Choices

While expressing a personal liking for Jimmy Fallon, Griffin voiced strong criticism regarding the talk show's selection of guests, specifically mentioning mixed martial artist Conor McGregor. She stated that featuring McGregor sent a detrimental message.

"I think the Fallon folks made a mistake by having Conor McGregor on," Griffin remarked. "I think it sends yet another message to women and marginalized folks everywhere that we’re not equal and you can do anything to us and the perpetrators are still going to be out there being glorified."

The comedian drew a parallel between McGregor's appearance and Fallon's previous decision to host Donald Trump, indicating her discomfort with both instances.

"I think it’s time we kind of make up our minds about who we’re going to cancel and who we’re not," Griffin added, referencing her own experiences. "Take it from the most canceled celebrity in history, look it up. As the kids say, do better."

Addressing an Old Photo with Donald Trump

Griffin also recently clarified details surrounding an older photograph showing her with Donald Trump, a figure she now frequently criticizes. She explicitly stated that the image, which depicted them sitting cordially together at an event, was "not an AI photo."

In a video published on her YouTube channel in early June, Griffin mentioned that many individuals had been sending her the picture with Trump, whom she referred to as "someone I used to know, but now I don’t care to know any longer."

She confirmed the authenticity of the photograph and elaborated on her prior amiable relationship with Trump.

"I know. Can you f---ing believe it?" Griffin exclaimed. "There was a time I knew Donald as someone who would show up at the opening of an envelope, and I would sit next to him sometimes, and he’d laugh at my jokes. I’m not glorifying him in his last, final days in any way. I want to show you that is not an AI photo, and that's why I got the dress out, which I still fit into, by the way, because that picture's got to be 20 years old."