Comedian Kathy Griffin has apologised after posing for provocative images with infamous celebrity photographer Tyler Shields, which caused fury with a fake severed head of United States President Donald Trump.
Many conservatives are outraged over the pictures, as are others who identify as liberal and believe the photos go too far.
"Kathy Griffin should join ISIS. Perfect fit," wrote one Twitter user, before retweeting another who had superimposed the image over the Islamic State flag.
Originally, Griffin defended the images on Twitter, insisting she doesn't condone violence and was "merely mocking the Mocker in Chief". She also poked fun at his infamous reference to Megyn Kelly's menstrual cycle.
As the controversy raged, however, she deleted those messages and posted a video of her begging for forgiveness.
"I sincerely apologise," says Griffin.
"The image is too disturbing. I understand how it offends people. It wasn't funny... (I'm) going to ask the photographer to take down the image and I beg for your forgiveness. I went too far. I made a mistake and I was wrong."
Griffin and Shields joked with each other on set they would need to move to Mexico after the photos were released, fearing repercussions from the Trump Administration.
"I love the fact that I can make this image... fortunately we still live in a world where I have the right to say what I want. A lot of people fought for that right," Shields told Buzzfeed.
"That being said, I really love Kathy and I hope they let me visit her in Guantanamo."
Shields said he and Griffin, whom he calls a friend, brainstormed the concept of the photo shoot together and were prepared for the controversy it would create.
Newshub.
