Kathy Griffin jokes Barron regularly texts her about Trump photo scandal: 'Don't kill my daddy'

Although Kathy Griffin initially apologized for the image, she later withdrew the apology and criticized Donald Trump as a 'bully'
The image drew condemnation from President Donald Trump, who said Kathy Griffin should be ashamed and claimed that his children, particularly Barron, had been deeply affected by the disturbing image (Getty Images)
The image drew condemnation from President Donald Trump, who said Kathy Griffin should be ashamed and claimed that his children, particularly Barron, had been deeply affected by the disturbing image (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kathy Griffin is revisiting one of the most controversial moments of her career with a surprising claim involving Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump.

The comedian recently told Entertainment Weekly that Barron still thinks she could harm his father following the backlash over her 2017 photo featuring a fake, bloodied head mask resembling Donald Trump. Griffin claimed that Barron sends her a message about once a month.

When asked whether anyone still believed she wanted to harm Donald Trump, Griffin replied, “Barron does.” She then claimed, “He'll send me a note once a month just saying, ‘Don't kill my daddy.’ But, you know, Barron, he's the sensitive one. What can I do?”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 24:  Comedian/actress Kathy Griffin attends the official opening of Paul
Kathy Griffin said Barron Trump still texted her about Donald Trump (Getty Images)

Kathy Griffin's 2017 photo sparked major backlash

In 2017, Kathy Griffin appeared in a photo shoot holding a fake, bloody and gory mask that looked similar to Donald Trump's face. The image quickly went viral and triggered intense backlash.

Donald Trump responded publicly at the time, saying Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. He also said that his children, particularly Barron Trump, were having a hard time because of the disturbing image.

Barron Trump attends the inauguration of his father, President Donald J Trump, in the Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty Images)
Barron Trump attends the inauguration of his father, President Donald J Trump, in the Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty Images)

Griffin faced major fallout after the photo was released. She lost sponsorship deals and was removed as a co-host of CNN's New Year's Eve coverage.

She initially apologized for the photo but later took back that apology and criticized Donald Trump, calling him a “bully.”

Donald Trump reveals Barron was affected by the image

Donald Trump's reaction to the photo also brought attention to how Barron Trump had responded to the controversy.

Griffin's latest comments now bring Barron back into the story years after the original incident. Her claim about the alleged messages has not been independently confirmed.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Barron Trump attends the State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Barron Trump attends the State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Kathy Griffin says she was targeted after the controversy

The comedian has continued to speak about the controversy and the reaction it sparked around her career. At the time, Kathy Griffin also argued that the backlash against her was shaped by sexism. 

President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Morristown Airport, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Morristown, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Morristown Airport, Friday, Sept 4, 2026, in Morristown, NJ (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

According to an NBC News report, she said the situation would not have happened if she were a man.

“I’m not afraid of Donald Trump,” Griffin said at the time.

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