The longtime newsman was asked about the embattled comic during an appearance in New Jersey.
Anderson Cooper said he is still friends with Kathy Griffin, and doesn’t think her career should be destroyed over her controversial tweet about President Trump.
The comedian was fired by CNN last week after she posted a photo of herself holding a mock-up of Donald Trump’s severed head.
Read: Kathy Griffin Apologizes After Photo of Her Holding Trump's 'Decapitated' Head Goes Viral'
Though she later apologized, the cable network said it would no longer employ Griffin to co-host its New Year’s Eve broadcast from New York City's Times Square.
“I understand CNN’s decision and I wish her well,” Cooper said Sunday at a New Jersey event. “I don’t think anyone deserves to have their career destroyed because they did something stupid.”
The news anchor said he hopes Griffin will continue doing stand-up comedy and acting, NorthJersey.com reported. He has not spoken to her since the incident, he said.
But the comedian’s live shows have been canceled across the country, including appearances in New Mexico, New Jersey, Nevada and New York.
In a tearful press conference Friday, Griffin said she was being bullied by Trump over her post, and that she feared her career was ruined.
Read: Kathy Griffin Fired by CNN After Disturbing Trump Beheading Stunt
Celebrity reaction was mixed.
Singer Demi Lovato, who’s clashed with Griffin in the past, tweeted “I find it funny when bullies play the victims.”
I find it funny when bullies play the victims. ?
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) June 2, 2017
Actor Alec Baldwin, whose sarcastic impression of Trump on Saturday Night Live became hugely popular, was supportive.
“No 1 believes u meant 2 threaten Trump,” he tweeted. “Trump is such a senile idiot, all he has is Twitter fights.”
Watch: Kathy Griffin Says Trump Is Trying to Ruin Her Life After Photo Scandal
