Kathy Griffin Claims She Was ‘Banned’ From ‘The Tonight Show’

Kathy Griffin recently made headlines after claiming that she has been banned from appearing on Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show.” In a post on Instagram, Griffin expressed her frustration and criticized Fallon for hosting UFC legend Conor McGregor, who was involved in a sexual assault case in 2024 and was ordered to pay $257,000 to his accuser.

Griffin stated, “I have not done the Jimmy Fallon show since it was on at 12:30 Eastern and Pacific, so I guess I’m banned from the Fallon show, or inappropriate, or too controversial.” She went on to say, “When you’re banned from a show — and if you guys know me, I’m banned from most of them. You’re welcome, America and Indonesia. They don’t usually tell you you’re banned. They just can’t seem to find room for you.”

While a representative for “The Tonight Show” declined to comment on Griffin’s claims, sources close to the situation indicated that her statement may have been exaggerated. Additionally, a representative for Jimmy Fallon did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Variety.

Griffin also criticized Fallon for having McGregor as a guest on the show, calling it a “bad call.” McGregor appeared on “The Tonight Show” on June 16 to promote his upcoming UFC comeback fight against Max Holloway. Griffin expressed her disappointment, stating, “I think it sends yet another message to women and marginalized folks everywhere that we’re not equal and you can do anything to us, and the perpetrators are still going to be out there being glorified.”

In the caption of her Instagram post, Griffin questioned the message being sent by Fallon’s decision to host McGregor and called for a reevaluation of who should be canceled. She urged viewers to watch the latest episode of her show, “Kathy Griffin: Talk Your Head Off,” on her YouTube channel.

Overall, Griffin’s comments have sparked a debate about the responsibility of talk show hosts in choosing their guests and the message it sends to their audience. The controversy surrounding Griffin’s alleged ban from the show and her criticism of Fallon’s guest choices continue to generate discussion in the entertainment industry.