E!'s ‘Fashion Police’ Also Loses Kathy Griffin
After filming only seven episodes, Kathy Griffin who was brought in to replace the late Joan Rivers, like co-host Kelly Osbourne, also left the show. The 54-year-old award-winning standup comedian made the announcement via her Twitter page.
Griffin's tweet in part says: "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.... I thought that I could bring my brand of humor to Fashion Police so beautiful people in beautiful dresses could be teased when appropriate.... I do not want to use my comedy to contribute to a culture of unattainable perfectionism and intolerance towards difference. I want to help women, gay kids, people of color, and anyone who feels underrepresented to have a voice and a LAUGH..... I discovered that my style does not fit with the creative direction of the show and now it's time to move on....."
Just weeks before, Osbourne also exited the show following a controversy surrounding Fashion Police's post-event coverage of the Academy Awards which it aired February 23. In that episode, panelist Giuliana Rancic remarked that Disney star's Zendaya's dreadlocked hair "probably smells like patchouli oil or weed." The comment elicited much negative reaction in the social media, including from Zendaya herself. Rancic publicly apologized. Osbourne while defending her co-host who was only mouthing a scripted line, also agreed with the prevailing sentiment that the comments were racist and she admitted they have caused her to question why she should remain on the show.
On Osbourne's exit, E! said "she is leaving to pursue other opportunities," adding, "We would like to thank her for her many contributions to the series over the past five years, during which time the show became a hit with viewers."
On Griffin's leaving, the cable network press statement said: "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. Fashion Police will return, as scheduled, on Monday, March 30 at 9 p.m. with our talented co-hosts Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski and executive producer Melissa Rivers. No further information is available at this time.