Kathy Griffin is Leaving E!’s “Fashion Police”

Kathy Griffin is leaving Fashion Police. On Thursday, the comedienne posted an image of text that explained why she’s departing after only seven episodes.

“When I chose to step into the shows 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 wrote. “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. My brand of humor, while unrepentant and unafraid, is all about context. There is plenty to make fun of in pop culture without bringing people’s bodies into it.” Griffin goes on to say that while she’s not a saint, she is a feminist and doesn’t want to participate in an activity that contributes to a “culture of unattainable perfectionism and intolerance towards difference.”

It’s interesting that Griffin notes these as reasons for quitting the troubled show. Recent issues, including Kelly Osbourne quitting and Giuliana Rancic’s controversial remarks about Zendaya’s hair, would be enough for some to jump ship.

E! also confirmed the 54-year-old’s exit. “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 network said in a statement. Fashion Police will return as scheduled on March 30 with the two co-hosts left standing, Rancic and Brad Goreski, along with executive producer Melissa Rivers. Industry insiders also assume that the empty seats will be filled. Personalities such as Nene Leakes, Khloe Kardashian, and Chrissy Teigen, have reportedly been considered, filling a diversity gap on the panel.

What Griffin’s withdrawal will eventually mean for Fashion Police is too soon to tell — but it doesn’t look good. One thing’s for sure, though, it’s a good move for Griffin and women in general. Standing up so publicly for a cause she believes in isn’t just feminist, it’s brave and beautiful.