Keynote: Kathy Griffin with Kara Swisher | SXSW 2019

Kara Swisher, Recode editor-at-large and New York Times contributing opinion writer, sits down with award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin for an interview for Swisher's Recode Decode podcast. Each known for their candid styles, Swisher and Griffin dive deep into the last 18 months of Griffin's career, which included death threats and being the subject of two federal investigations. The interview will mark Griffin's first appearance at SXSW, ahead of the debut of her concert film, "Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story."
About SXSW:
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2019 takes place every March in Austin, Texas.
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[@MegamixCentral]

Kathy is the only person of whom I can listen to an entire hour of interview and love every second. Queen of enterainment!

[@geri147]

Never abandoned you, always supported you since I was a child, you taught me that women can have a voice too and it can be loud and it can be real 💖

[@kathymac310]

Geri yay I stuck with her too. This isn't souch a comeback as a still here for so many of us.

[@rckkeller9437]

Geri I admired her even more when she showed the bloody head to America. Trump is still a pig and Kathy came out of this a hero.

[@FlowerEpsilon]

I wish KG would read your comment.

[@JonDisME]

I got the chance to see Kathy and her Laugh Your Head Off Tour in Atlanta last year and let me tell ya! It was funny as hell, thought provoking, inspirational, and there were times where you could hear a pin drop. She held your attention for OVER 3 hours. It would be great if Netflix or other streaming companies would pick this up. She has so much to tell.

[@uu7794]

Unfortunately Netflix doesn't have the balls to do that.

[@goliaboi]

I saw her tour as well and I am a huge fan of Kathy's, but I can't say the show was great. I do wish her the best and that she can stop talking about this issue that has she has already spoken about for a long ass time now! New material please!!

[@mrtimtremmel8465]

so what stand up comedian is superior to KG? Please tell us more!!!

[@joshspeed7794]

My husband and I are Trump supporters but LOVE Kathy and agree Hollywood needs to open their doors to Kathy, as no one has carried their political water more. She is a historic figure in their history and will be regarded as such in the future. I don't agree with holding up bloody heads of anyone, but I support her free speech and agree the Trump family saw her as an easy target for their ire with Hellyweird in general. I wish her continued support and success.

[@mrtimtremmel8465]

Joshua thats a really good reply. I love KG and I am definitely not a Trump fan and you would struggle to find many outside the USA- but I am not American, U dont get a vote in the USA and my country has enough problems of it's own right now (UK) so you gotta have a laugh sometimes!!

[@bored068]

Gained alot of respect for her for how shes handling everything 👏 Dont let them get you down keep doing you

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

Same, she is incredible

[@joshdesigns456]

Call her whatever you want! But this woman is quick on her feet and stands by what she believes and to top it off, is hilarious! Go Kathy! :)

[@IMSiegfried]

Kathy is also courageous.

[@martinerhard8447]

You mean what she likes to believe

[@tootsla1252]

Diarmid O'Connor Ll.L Really? What part and can you prove it?

[@rebeccalankford2652]

Quick? She has told the same shit for over a year now.

[@francesgillotti1378]

She is not funny like Joan Rivers .

[@MrKellyELA]

Every single time I watch one of her long interviews I swear up & down that I’m not going to watch the entire thing, but every time I get ready to click away she says something funny to keep my attention & I replay it a thousand times. LoL!

[@mrqs1549]

Love Kathy! She’s a hard working girl, and I share with her the same feelings about Andy Cohen.

[@MrTrinifather]

How she was able to turn this around is fascinating wow

[@itsChrisX]

without a manager or an agent...doing it all by herself. extraordinary. love her.

[@mcwarhol17]

Hustle mama, hustle and let them all know you don’t drown. We support you ‼️

[@icemeoutlikeelsa]

@Maddock fitzsimmins Looks is all you can attack lmao and you probably look like shit

[@badreligion71]

Maddock fitzsimmins 😂😂😂

[@IMSiegfried]

@Maddock fitzsimmins You couldn't be more shallow if you tried.

[@foxibot]

YeaGG that is an excellent line, I look at comment sections for incredible people responses, and yours is great. Put your initials and the date you said or wrote it to kind of copyright it. ❤️🙂

[@foxibot]

YeaGG it is really good YeaGG because they used to drown women accused of witchcraft. Saying that if she did not drown she was a witch.

[@wordswordswords8203]

She likes it when people laugh. It makes her less nervous. I love how she started to relax and then pulled her legs up on the chair about 12 minutes in. I love her.

[@darryl2542]

I liked the moment in her Oxford interview when she just stopped and appreciated the audience laughing; you could tell it meant a lot to her after months of NO ONE laughing during her ordeal.

[@1301595]

Thank you Kathy for being a pioneer and speaking your truth!!!

[@wisemandaryn5953]

I hope this showcase at SXSW will generate serious interest from a reputable platform with the ability to orchestrate distribution of the film. I saw her show in Seattle and the material is amazing -- it certainly deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

[@kriegerkaiser]

Daryn Wiseman I was there too!

[@telectronix1368]

And whether someone likes her comedy or agrees with the mask stunt or not.....she has had an unprecedented experience and has a unique story to tell.

[@IMSiegfried]

Sure as hell don't know why not. Netflix is putting out a ton of comedian shows.

[@wisemandaryn5953]

Well she was able to strike a deal with Brainstorm Media & Fathom Events; it's in 650 theaters nationwide for one night only on July 31, followed by a live Q+A. Tickets seem to be selling well & they've expanded the # of theaters.

[@aarondigby9859]

@@IMSiegfried and none of them are Super funny, most are average at best.

[@rc5chi539]

I have a lot of respect for her! after being put through all the unnecessary crap & abuse and the clear excessive abuse of power by a group of sociopaths! she proudly stands her ground and refuses to be silenced or just become another one their of "Victims"... If only Joan were still here, she would be having one hell of a field day with all this.

[@chiefjetsonofflare5329]

rc5chi How I miss Joan😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😭

[@aleciawalter8160]

Love you Kathy. Your strength inspires me to not give up. To get back up when I get knocked down.

[@CATHYGRACECOLLEEN]

I have never been more proud to be a "Cathy". Kathy, you are So AWESOME!

[@chieromancer]

Thanks, SXSW for having the ovaries to invite KG.

[@toughtaurus5624]

Yaasss!!!!

[@johnprainone]

Love you always

[@christinascibetta1043]

Ha! I use that phrase too....

[@SchoolinIife]

"So, you're not a member of ISIS" "I worked at the gift shop for a week" IM CACKLING

[@tootsla1252]

Joe Shanahan 😂😂😂😂🙀

[@joeylopezdesign]

heeeheeeee!!!

[@baybae92]

I love Kathy so much. Her and Kara have really good chemistry!!

[@ScootsMahgoots]

Kara is a good listener

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Yuk

[@JacobElyachar]

This was an amazing interview! I cannot wait to see this film.

[@vikopeseyie2669]

Love her! 😍 I can't wait to watch her documentary...

[@13ivanogre13]

Kathy is a REAL American, a REAL patriot!

[@elmersantos148]

SHE'S BACK!! I'm in awe for her

[@kathymac310]

Elmer Santos she never left. She just got fucked with by the AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. Wow.

[@13ivanogre13]

What our government did to her is a crime as far as I'm concerned, and yet look at how gracious and kind she was when speaking about the FBI. She's a decent person.

[@waynefrench756]

@@kathymac310 can we sue trump for the money the secret service & fbi wasted to prove. trump was a dip ship & that is saying it nicely.

[@kathymac310]

wayne french nope but if he does another shitdown parole the sevret service m send em home as unnecessary for the country s well being

[@southafricanizationofsociety20]

www.breitbart.com/the-media/2018/07/05/rap-sheet-acts-of-media-approved-violence-and-harassment-against-trump-supporters/

[@Dan-lb5zc]

Omg i love u kathy griffin!! I saw your show in Stockholm . It was a dream come true!!

[@BrentLomasBL]

The Unsinkable Kathy Griffin! LOVE THIS LEGENDARY QUEEN!

[@poolplayerpoolplayer7430]

She is a sicko inciting violence on innocent teens

[@ardivachambers6927]

@@poolplayerpoolplayer7430 What the heck are you talking about??

[@poolplayerpoolplayer7430]

@@ardivachambers6927 do you SJW live in a bubble? She called for the Covington catholic kids names and addresses to be posted online. She also held a fake decapitated head depicting it as president trumps

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

@@leroypascal8937 you take a seat you little b****. Kathy is a monster

[@waynefrench756]

@@poolplayerpoolplayer7430 has your dibwad ever heard trump at a rally

[@Lishkafe]

There's no one who can insult so many ppl in so little time like her. She's the fastest shooter in the wild west Hollywood

[@PS3Gaymer]

❤️ Kathy!!!! Been team griffin ever since my life on the d list.

[@PrinxPerry]

Ernest Vang Since tv show Suddenly Susan!

[@CVassili]

Love you, Kathy! Keep telling it like it is!

[@OsksChanel]

Would love to see that documentary... please Netflix!!!!

[@iam.thurman4375]

I LOVED THAT! THANKS FOR HAVING KATHY!!!!

[@ronking8016]

Man... Kathy is brilliant and honest! Love her.

[@stumack9755]

"brilliant"

[@dmears06]

DIVINE, ICONIC, POWERFUL

[@kathymac310]

Dontae Mears and now HISTORIC as well!! Go Kathy!!

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Delusional!!!

[@13ivanogre13]

She will go down in the history books, and not as a footnote either. What was done to her was exceptional, and exceptionally evil too. Imagine what tragedy might have happened if they did this to some more emotionally vulnerable woman? They knew the terrible harm that could have resulted for Kathy and yet they went full-speed ahead, and they are evil scum for doing that.

[@kathymac310]

13ivanogre13 McCarthy at individuals. He really underestimated her. He thought she'd slink away and didn't have the following to tell people about all this

[@montgomerychristian6370]

Still watching you and still loving it all!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

[@itsChrisX]

hearing about her mom Maggie broke my heart... Dementia? Awh. her spirit won't change and having Kathy around will definitely refresh her livelyhood on a daily. bless xo

[@Bathorite]

I love Kathy Griffin and am glad she is not letting the bullshit keep her down!

[@kathymac310]

Neon Seraphim don't let the bastards grind you down!

[@morningwood1787]

Her whole existence is bull$hit hahahahaha

[@lindabuck2777]

What was her choice? Lay down, or fight? Brilliant choice, brilliant execution!!!

[@darrellbrown5496]

I truly love her spirit

[@PlazaQueen]

What a great interview. I do find it weird that netflix wouldn't want to buy this movie but will put out multiple alt right / hitler documentaries. COME ON NETFLIX.

[@beths3288]

@Dr Downtime The comparison with Hitler documentaries maybe is a stretch, but with all the no-name stand-up routines Netflix has and all the crappy documentaries, their execs are just being cowards to pass on Kathy Griffin's documentary. She's right in that it is a piece of history. It's relevant to the current White House administration and the downfall of America. There are going to be a shitload of documentaries and books and dramas about this time period. Her documentary will be one of them. It will be an interesting story and, no doubt, a funny and entertaining presentation.

[@Wib0]

Listen, Neon, I have been trying to find these kind of docs on there, can't find them. Maybe drop some titles, let's see what you are talking about. Hitler docs, sure, they're there, but those are just your typical WW2 docs. But the alt right or extreme right stuff, I really can't find that stuff. I need some argumentation for these claims, dude.

[@PlazaQueen]

@@Wib0 Alt Right: Age of Rage & White Right: Meeting the Enemy www.netflix.com/title/80994804 www.netflix.com/title/80998786

[@joshspeed7794]

Oh come on, Netflix is clearly progressive but still views Kathy as toxic. She deserves a special, but maybe Amazon can make a bit of room for one? Another idea is to self publish on youtube.

[@Mrs.AD0099]

Love you to the moon and back, Kathy! You Are a total inspiration! Please keep talking, please keep spreading your message ! Xoxoxoxoxoxox

[@MyzelleJenkins]

The best part of this whole “Pic-Gate” drama is how Kathy handled it & has come through! You know all the Trumpsters just couldn’t WAIT to see you fail and go shiver & hide away somewhere forever. SORRY BITCHES! Kathy’s funny as hell, always will be, and continues to turn it. And you are...who? Kathy I just want to come hang in your backyard & kick it with your fun neighbor..!

[@Abb0able]

Dunno she might be funny for old female (comedian) standards

[@itburns5756]

I always liked Kathy and found her very funny and I'm hardly a Trumpster, but lately she's done and said a lot of stupid things. As someone above mentioned, her remarks about the Covington story were so far off and just plain wrong. I guess I wish she'd leave the radical political stuff on the back burner and stick with the funny celebrity stuff.

[@Wib0]

Myzelle, you funny! What a joke! Really good..

[@Abb0able]

@@Wib0 Come on Singula don't tease old ladies, remember she finds Kathy funny, only 65+ women could like that (h)or (t) -umor.

[@KathymacMac]

Because trumpsters are so insightful....

[@lornadryden5650]

she's actually very brave for continuing to speak to the massive widespread attack on her

[@SentinelGeorgeBCN]

@ Hmm. Remember the burning Obama effigies?

[@fanboys247]

she attacked the masses, not the other way around

[@SentinelGeorgeBCN]

@ I have only found about two people in Kentucky who were arrested (charges included burglary and theft), but no sentences. What cases are you talking about? Also, that doesn't make Kathy's action any less legal - 1st Amendment.

[@claudeghendrih762]

@@fanboys247 Sounds like your neurons have been massively attacked and defeated

[@fanboys247]

@@claudeghendrih762 sounds like you're hallucinating that Kathy gives a shit what you do on YT. With her bald head she looks like a fucking used Q-Tip and theres no way around that.

[@rubywarda6871]

Kathy is a fighter! There is no other good comedian other than her. She reminds me Joan Rivers.

[@paulabien6201]

YES I AGREE!!!! Both are LEGENDS

[@fredverastegui4144]

Never stopped loving you, Kathy!

[@saskwatching]

I love you Kathy! I hope I can find you streaming everywhere again ♡

[@Mayabee321]

Kathy Griffin! You do so much to fight for the right to free expression and free speech and I ADORE you for it!

[@ekkeerrdkdrdd8039]

like doxxing high school kids

[@telectronix1368]

@Darren - whatever anyone thinks of her act or that photo.....she definitely has a unique experience to talk about.

[@AnimalLover101195]

I saw her in Philadelphia a few months back and she was absolutely AMAZING!

[@SunnyBunnyHunny909]

Always been and always will be a Kathy Griffin fan!!!❤️

[@adrianvaughn3170]

I may have issues with Kathy's political views and at times extreme leftist way of thinking, BUT I've always admired her fearlessness and much of her comedy. The many times she's made me laugh like crazy I'll always be thankful for ♥️

[@Consrignrant]

She's not an "extreme leftist". Can you even explain what that means? .......She's a capitalist with a social conscience.

[@revolutionishere]

@@Consrignrant seriously.

[@revolutionishere]

You don't know what you're talking about. Words mean things.

[@joer3481]

I adore her..is that ok? YES!

[@MisterMe1988]

You're handsome!!!

[@spinozareader]

Kathy.....NEVER.GIVE.UP. Please! You're the bastion of liberty, after all. ;) You are amazing.

[@electrajones5462]

Love everything about this interview. Need more Kara Swisher.

[@stacynels4]

Keep On Keeping On Kathy....You are blessed with comical longevity with an insightful understandable knowledge on reality. Thank You...

[@alexmalaspino4450]

Love you Kathy!! Loved this interview. You are amazing❤️🌈

[@slh950]

I'm boycotting Netflix til they give me some KG !!

[@nikolyevic]

Courageous, principled and sharp as a tack. She is a amazing, love her so much. Don't you ever stop Kathy!

[@Degjoy]

She's so amazing. I love her.

[@toptobottom247]

I just find it extremely difficult to hate on Kathy Griffin.

[@rhodecciacarter5365]

I LOVE KATHY ❤️💕 SO MUCH, KATHY GRIFFIN ❤️ YOU'RE THE BEST 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@melg3228]

Love this iconic femme and we saw her in Houston, Texas y’all. 3 hour show - standing ovation.

[@TheLeonDarko]

I wanna see this film on NETFLIX

[@beths3288]

Yeah, WTF is up with Netflix? Why wouldn't they want her show? Cowards.

[@carlakinsella3833]

Beth S agree. I figured Netflix was cool and would back her.

[@Kim-lc3fv]

Very good interview. I'm glad Kathy is coming back.

[@SC0891]

This woman will forever be a legend. Love her.

[@desmondr6336]

FARAWAY FARAWAY FARAWAY😂😂😂😂 that was comedy gold!

[@aimeereal5122]

Love you Kathy Griffin!! I never abandoned you. Seen you three times and looking forward to the next tour!

[@sci-fyherocomicsmovies8736]

Love My Kathy Griffin!!! I've been her fan forever!!! I've seen her live 5 times & LOVED all her shows!!!

[@joylopez2735]

The narcissist from TMZ did this to you--- how disgusting! Love and much support, Kathy!

[@aarondigby9859]

The gay TMZ narcissist, don't even watch fake stuff.

[@GrotesqueHyydra]

The queen

[@plaidpanda]

@@morningwood1787 Someone's projecting.

[@bluestrife28]

“Now you’re talking down to me.” “Hahaha, I am.” I love this interview! 😂😂😂

[@teenygozer]

Thank you for posting this, I really wanted to see it after seeing all the snippets online!

[@t.yvonneworley8124]

💕💕💕💕KATHY!!!!...Congrats on your laugh your head off tour!!

[@realitywon4833]

Keep wild. Excellent worx, thanx. Thanx for all you do. reality

[@fukurfeelings9711]

I’ve loved Kathy Griffin for many years. Now, I have a newfound respect for her. She’s absolutely AMAZING!!!!!

[@rowelle]

These two have great chemistry. Would love to see more interviews with these two.

[@Lauramagic18]

I cannot love you enough Kathy!! You are a remarkable American Hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@susandanahy9874]

Kathy...... youre the best! Ive loved you for years . Youre brilliant! Im so proud of you and youve shown everyone that NO ONE is going to destroy you> God bless you.

[@ROA1988]

LOVE KG!!!

[@deborahdaley3528]

Kathy you are so right! New Year's eve stunk!! Andy's a sissy!

[@rachaelsas]

I love her, Thankyou for sharing

[@jayel1471]

She's a comedy warrior. I really hope Netflix wises up and does the movie because I would pay extra to see it

[@doomranger6047]

Jeez she's so smart. I can't wait to see that movie. I really hope it gets released

[@theycallmejodamo]

“If you can name a skill set, I’m all ears”. Mama said that with her whole chest and I love her for it.

[@markusvieira4427]

This was a amazing interview

[@joeylopezdesign]

the text Kara read from Kathy, OMFG ROFLMAO!!!! love it.

[@rickyticky46]

I have always been a fan.....but now I admire her and her fight.

[@ezekielmendoza2284]

Absolutely love her!!

[@Hunter-sm8nd]

She cracked me up at 37:50 talking about Zuckerberg going to random people's houses like he was running for office. 😂

[@felixarturo2011]

She’s genius 🤣

[@alvarovaldovinos6836]

I love Kathy! Her strength and wit are admirable.

[@bethyant1192]

Love, love love this! So glad the Cheeto in charge is OUT!!! I can’t wait to watch this documentary

[@erinvasquez9334]

I will always support Kathy love her!!! We love her in San Diego

[@Dragonblood94]

Wow, that was inspiring.

[@poolplayerpoolplayer7430]

All the people in your life must be pathetic and demonic if you think she is inspiring!!

[@ppzav]

VERY great interview. I hope to see more for Kathy in the near future

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Your standards are incredibly low. I feel bad for you

[@VIKIMM]

.. thanks muchly ... 💜 luv n light 💜...

[@ScottD_]

Fantastic interview , can’t wait to see her new project

[@Splurge24]

This was a great interview.

[@MrJt3451]

Excellent!

[@ConnorMalbeuf]

I admire her for being bolshie.

[@theonlyexception54]

LOVE Kathy! She so damn funny!

[@byounghusband]

If a journalist was arguing with a bot I wonder how many I have argued with....

[@AngelRodriguez-tf1zl]

love you Kathy your been through shiiiiit but keep believe in yourself and whats right and avously I admire you for being a survivor.

[@Bassguitar1231]

i happen to be straight and i luv you Kath in a good way !

[@morningwood1787]

creepy

[@aarondigby9859]

@@morningwood1787 Creepy is the feds spending millions of dollars to cut down free speech. Where was the outrage when major news magazines kept showing the Obummers as monkeys. That was tasteless. But it was protected by free speech. Trump is a peddie.

[@songsforsusan]

WHAT AN INSPIRATION! Love that woman sooooo much

[@WalkAndDrive_]

This is GOLD 💟😂💟😂

[@PapayaJoy]

I feel very blessed to not be embroiled in politics such that it doesn't allow me to appreciate artists on all sides...I wish more people could step back and not take life so seriously and enjoy everyone. 💗

[@revolutionishere]

People are dying but you have fun with your inner peace.

[@chandans7613]

Very funny🤣🤣🤣🤣