And then there were two! Kathy Griffin is the latest panelist to bow out of co-hosting “Fashion Police.”
The comedienne announced her seemingly abrupt departure from the show on Thursday in a statement she posted on Twitter.
“After 7 episodes of ‘Fashion Police,’ I discovered that my style does not fit with the creative direction of the show & now it’s time to move on,” she wrote. “I wish E! and the E! team only the best and I hope to continue to make you all laugh performing live or on television where I can be smart, irreverent, unrepentant and unafraid in an observational way that is candid, honest and justified. Thank you to my fans for taking this ride with me.”
WATCH: Kelly Osbourne’s Addresses ‘Fashion Police’ Exit
Kathy also explained why she accepted the post after the passing of Joan Rivers.
“When I chose to step into the shoes of my beloved friend Joan Rivers at ‘Fashion Police,’ I was thrilled to continue her legacy as a woman being brash and eccentric on television,” she said in her Tweet. “I am a freedom-loving female and gay rights activist who loves to find the funny in all people, attitudes, beliefs, and appearances, but only when the context permits intelligent humor. I thought that I could bring my brand of humor to ‘Fashion Police’ so that beautiful people in beautiful dresses could be teased when appropriate.”
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 13, 2015
WATCH: Kathy Griffin: No Celeb Will Be Safe On ‘Fashion Police’
The network released a statement on Thursday evening, acknowledging Kathy’s departure.
“We can confirm that Kathy Griffin is leaving E!’s ‘Fashion Police.’ We wish her all the best and are grateful for her time on the show, as well as the many laughs that she gave us all,” the statement reads. “‘Fashion Police’ will return, as scheduled, on Monday, March 30 at 9pm with our talented Co-Hosts Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski and Executive Producer Melissa Rivers. No further information is available at this time.”
A “Fashion Police” source told Access Hollywood that most of the show’s crew, including some producers, were not aware of Kathy’s intent to quit. According to the source, several staff members learned of her exit by reading media reports, rather than being told directly from the show runner. “Fashion Police” has been on hiatus for two weeks and won’t return for another week.
Kelly Osbourne exited the show in February after co-host Giuliana made comments regarding Zendaya’s dreadlocks.
WATCH: Giuliana Vs. Zendaya: Was Giuliana’s Joke Pre-Written?
She Tweeted a message to support her former co-star, along with a funny photo of her and Kathy’s tongues touching.
“I could not be more proud of you @kathygriffin you have my love and support always!” she captioned the pic.
I could not be more proud of you @kathygriffin you have my love and support always! pic.twitter.com/0P4yWecUA2
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) March 13, 2015
Sharon Osbourne – who also came to the defense of her daughter’s resignation – Tweeted her support of Kathy’s departure.
“I f***ing love you @kathygriffin! Admire you, support you, this is why your are adored. You are your own woman. #KathyResigns,” Sharon Tweeted on Thursday.
A day before announcing her decision to quit “Fashion Police,” Kathy also voiced her opinion on Giuliana’s remarks.
“I wouldn’t have said the joke in the first place,” she told this Sunday’s Chicago Sun-Times’ Splash magazine, adding that the comment was written for Giuliana by “some dude,” thus confirming an earlier report that stated Giuliana was reciting a line prepared for her by a show writer.
Giuliana and Brad are the only two remaining panelists at this time. E! has yet to name replacements, although Khloe Kardashian and NeNe Leakes had been rumored to being considered to fill the vacancy left by Kelly.
— Paige Feigenbaum
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