WASHINGTON — Minnesota Sen. Al Franken seems to have had a change of heart in the last 24-hours.
On Thursday afternoon, Franken cancelled his plans to appear with embattled comedian Kathy Griffin.
Griffin made international headlines earlier in the week when tabloid TMZ leaked a photo shoot of her holding a bloody mask that implied the beheading of President Donald Trump.
“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 told Politico.
As Alpha News reported, Franken spent much of Wednesday confirming his appearance with Griffin to major news networks. Speaking with Alisyn Camerota of CNN and Andrea Mitchell of MSNBC, Franken condemned Griffin’s behavior, but also applauded her remorse, stating, “She did the right thing asking for forgiveness and acknowledging that this is a horrible mistake.”
Franken’s apology tour on Griffin’s behalf came one day after MNGOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan
Sen. Al Franken changes his mind less than 24 hours after defending Griffin.
called on the Democratic senator to condemn Griffin’s actions and to cancel a scheduled appearance with her to promote his latest book.
Franken’s decision to cancel his event with Griffin also comes on the heels of Griffin hiring attorney Lisa Bloom, who announced Thursday night via Twitter that they would hold a press conference detailing the level of bullying Griffin has endured at the hands of the President and First Family.
On Friday, Griffin and Bloom called Trump and the First Family authoritarians, personally seeking to destroy her career.
“What’s happening to me never happened in this great country,” Griffin tearfully shared.
Bloom condemned the First Family, accusing them of false outrage and lying about the reported reaction of First Son, Barron Trump, stating that it was a ploy to vilify Griffin.
Griffin, who was fired from CNN, has also lost several other employment opportunities as a result of the photos.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
