Actor Alec Baldwin is coming to the defense of comedian Kathy Griffin in the wake of the controversy surrounding a photo of her holding the faux severed head of President Donald Trump.
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On Tuesday, a photo was released of Griffin holding the fake head that resembled Trump. A harsh backlash quickly followed the photo’s release, and by Tuesday afternoon, Griffin had issued an apology.
However, her apology and subsequent press conference weren’t enough to stop the repercussions as Griffin soon lost an annual gig at CNN and a spokesperson role for Squatty Potty. Several of her comedy shows also were canceled.
[ >> Melania Trump responds to Kathy Griffin's photo shoot with beheaded Trump figure ]
Even some of her original supporters, including Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), have changed their tune as the backlash continues to escalate.
[ >> CNN cuts ties with Kathy Griffin over graphic photo ]
Baldwin, however, is standing by the comedian.
On Friday night, the “Saturday Night Live” star went on a Twitter tirade defending Griffin and bringing up his own past.
Baldwin’s mention of his own past excoriation at the hands of the GOP was in reference to the backlash he received after he joked about wanting to "stone" then-Rep. Henry Hyde during an appearance on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” in 1998.
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Baldwin then lobbed expletives at those who, according to Baldwin, "played the victim."
"No 1 believes u meant 2 threaten Trump," he continued. "Trump is such a senile idiot, all he has is Twitter fights."
He added, "Ignore him. Like the leaders of all the other countries in the world. Ignore him."