CNN parts ways with Kathy Griffin amid mass outrage

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - CNN has severed ties with comedian Kathy Griffin amid mass uproar prompted by a video she posted in which she is holding what is made to look like President Donald Trump's bloodied decapitated head.

"CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program," the network's communications department wrote on Twitter.

Griffin co-anchored the popular program alongside long-time friend Anderson Cooper since 2007.

Her decision to post the video with the gory effigy prompted widespread outrage, including from Trump who said Griffin "should be ashamed of herself.

"My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!" he wrote on Twitter.

Shortly after she posted the video, Cooper said he was "appalled", further calling it "disgusting and completely inappropriate".

For her part, Griffin deleted the video and said she was "wrong" and "went too far.

"The image is too disturbing. I understand how it offends people. It wasn't funny," she said in a recorded apology.

Following the video's posting, the Secret Service, which is responsible for Trump's security, weighed in saying threats made against individuals it is tasked with protecting "receive the highest priority of all of our investigations".