November 19, 2014
Kathy Griffin to Replace Joan Rivers on 'Fashion Police'
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 2 MIN.
After months of rumors, it is now confirmed that Kathy Griffin will take over for the late Joan Rivers on the popular E! show "Fashion Police," TMZ reports.
Sources close to show told TMZ "it's a done deal," the site writes.
Griffin, 54, will join Rivers' daughter, Melissa Rivers, Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic as "Fashion Police" panelists. TMZ reports they "don't know the fate of George Kotsiopoulos," who was on the show with Joan Rivers.
TMZ also reports "Fashion Police" will no longer be a weekly series and that E! will only air the show for award shows and other special events.
It was reported earlier this month that Griffin, who was a close friend of Joan Rivers, was offered the position but she did not confirm whether or not she was going to accept the gig.
"I don't know if the situation is correct or right at this time for me. We'll see," she told People magazine at the time.
"Fashion Police" has been off the air since Joan Rivers died in September at the age of 81 from low blood oxygen during a routine medical procedure on her vocal cords.
Shortly after her passing, it was reported that "Fashion Police" producers, which includes Melissa Rivers, were on the lookout for a new host. Besides Griffin, producers allegedly were considering "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reality star NeNe Leakes.
A source told Page Six that Griffin was pushing for the hosting position while Joan Rivers was in a coma. But Griffin's rep, Justin Ongert, denied the rumor, saying:
"It's just not true. It wasn't Kathy. I know because it would have had to go through me."
A spokesperson for E! also denied the allegations.
"It's not about replacing Joan Rivers - no one can replace Joan Rivers. Ever," Rancic told People magazine last month. "It's more about the show just being a great show and a fun show."
"Fashion Police" will reportedly return for the Golden Globes on Jan 12.