So, Kathy Griffin made her Fashion Police debut last night but filling the shoes of late comedian Joan Rivers was never going to be an easy task...
Given Griffin's acid-tongued nature, and her ability to say exactly what it is she's thinking, the star seemed one of the best choices to take over from Rivers but, of course, you can't please everyone, as the 54-year-old's debut was met with some seriously mixed reactions on social networks. It was clear some just didn't believe Griffin was able to fill the shoes of Joan, with lots referring to her as a poor substitute for her predecessor. A few fans even slated her for a lack of fashion knowledge, while others just didn't think she was funny at all.
It seems important to remember that Griffin's comedic style has always had the Marmite effect though, even when she isn't hosting Fashion Police and taking over the reigns from a legendary comedian like Joan. Therefore, the response to her debut doesn't come as too much of a surprise. It also seems essential to remember that last night's show was only Kathy's first, so let's not judge too quickly, there's still plenty of time to change your mind. When E! Host Giuliana Rancic was first added to Fashion Police as a co-host, she too had her fair share of haters. Fellow newcomer Brad Goreski only fared slightly better too, with lots of people calling for the return of George Kotsiopoulos, who left the show last year.
Kathy's arrival on Fashion Police has been met with mixed reactions -- obviously! (WENN)
But whether you loved or hated Griffin's performance, as promised, the star certainly isn't one to shy away from saying what she thinks -- not an easy trait to have. The actress pounced particularly hard on Amal Clooney, calling the UN human rights lawyer "annoying" and branding her the worst dressed at the Globes. The new Mrs. Clooney's arm-length white gloves were more suited to a porn movie than the Golden Globes red carpet, she jibed. "When she said she made them herself, I was like, yeah, no," Griffin snapped.
But Amal wasn't the host's only victim as she also criticised Tina Fey's tea length dress by Antonio Berardi, and Sienna Miller's gown by Miu Miu. Describing the latter, Griffin said, "It looked like my grandma's drapes and she's gorgeous and the neckline is sexy -- but I kept looking for the shower rod." The flame-haired star also tore apart Keira Knightley's Chanel dress, an eyebrow raising Chanel number that was ladened with ruffles and butterflies -- but then that was always going to be an easy target! "I love it," she quipped. "I like that it was something out of 'Silence of the Lambs' and Little Bo Peep thrown in. I thought it was a riot and it made me laugh out loud in all the wrong places," Griffin continued.
The new series opened with Griffin praising Rivers, who passed away on Sept. 4. "Before I start making more enemies, I want to thank my good friend whom we all miss, Joan Rivers," she said. "Joan, I know you're watching from heaven but don't get it twisted -- I won't be afraid to bring the hammer down on anyone and everyone." One thing's for sure, while Griffin might not be Joan Rivers, she can still hold her own. Instead of slating the star for her failure to match Rivers' ability, shouldn't we instead cherish the fact that the late star will always be a one-of-a-kind, but admire Griffin's bravery to attempt to follow in her shoes anyway? That in itself takes some serious balls!
