President Donald Trump and NBC have a relationship that’s too close for comfort, according to one former star of the peacock network.
Kathy Griffin, who starred in NBC’s hit sitcom “Suddenly Susan” from 1996 to 2000, said comedians have a certain obligation to challenge authority figures.
“There seems to be some sort of relationship between NBC and Trump that’s not good. It’s not good,” Griffin told TheWrap in a wide-ranging interview Tuesday. “There is a lot of collusion between him still being able to do ‘The Apprentice,’” the comedian added.
“I worked at NBC for well over 10 years,” Griffin said. “Trust me — they can fire you.”
NBC famously severed its ties with Trump soon after the reality-show host launched his incendiary presidential campaign. But in December, it was reported that Trump would retain credit as executive producer of the revived reality series. His spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, confirmed last year that Trump has also maintained a financial interest in the franchise.
Griffin also took aim at “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon, who was recently criticized by “Late Show” legend
“I do agree with him actually,” Griffin said about Letterman. “I do think that the Fallon moment wasn’t great.”
Griffin, who will receive the Vanguard award Sunday from the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for her achievements in the LGBTQ advocacy, said that unlike reporters and members of the media who have to be impartial and objective comedians can take a more aggressive and biting stance, something she’s discussed with her fellow comedians.
“We’ve been talking about this a lot,” she told said. “Now truly is the time to speak up. I think most comics are hard-wired that way.”
“It can actually change people minds,” she added.
Watch the video above.