Al Franken changes his mind about appearing with Kathy Griffin in public

Democratic Sen. Al Franken (Minn.) realized that appearing in public with comedian Kathy Griffin, who held up a depiction of President Donald Trump's severed head in a recent photo shoot, isn't such a good idea after all.

Franken was scheduled to appear with Griffin in Beverly Hills, California, July 7 to promote his new book, "Al Franken: Giant of the Senate," according to Politico.

CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota asked Franken on Wednesday about Griffin's gory photo shoot and whether Griffin can recover professionally.

"Well, I think she did the right thing. I think asking for forgiveness and acknowledging — this is a horrible mistake — and so I think she can," Franken said.

Camerota pressed Franken on whether he still planned to appear with Griffin at the July event. Franken said that he would and earlier described Griffin as a "friend" and "terrific comedian."

The Minnesota Democrat said he even talked to Griffin following the public outrage over the photo shoot, and Griffin's subsequent apology in which she admitted that she went "too far."

“She actually begged for forgiveness, and I believe in forgiveness," Franken said.

But according to Politico, Franken has since changed his mind after his constituents let him know their thoughts.

"I believe what Kathy Griffin did was inappropriate and not something that should be anywhere in our national discourse. I consider her a friend and I'm glad she realized she crossed the line and apologized," Franken said.

Franken said that "it would be best" if Griffin does not attend the July 7 event. Franken said he understands why Minnesota voters were upset by Griffin's actions and that he takes their concerns "very seriously."

Griffin held a news conference Friday morning in which she accused Trump and his family of "bullying" and "trying to ruin me," the Wrap reported.

Griffin enlisted the help of feminist civil rights attorney Lisa Bloom, according to ABC News.