Comedian Kathy Griffin says she “accidentally” fell in love with a much younger man months after her divorce, drawing fresh public attention to her romantic life. Griffin, 65, opened up about the unexpected relationship in a recent interview and essay, saying the connection surprised her and her fans alike.
Griffin, best known for her outspoken stand-up comedy and candid celebrity commentary, said the romance began after she split from ex-husband Randy Bick. The divorce was finalized earlier in 2025, ending a union that had lasted several years.
In an essay published in The Cut and discussed in interviews, Griffin said she met the 23-year-old on a dating app and quickly felt a strong connection. “I accidentally fell in love with a 23-year-old,” she said bluntly. “Because of his age, he didn’t have the usual sexism, misogyny, and biases that guys my age tend to have.”
The comedian laughed at how the situation sounded in retrospect, saying, “I know that sounds really corny. Oh God, it sounds so lame! But I felt really comfortable with him, and I felt very content just hanging out.”
Griffin shared that the age difference was significant for her — more than four decades — but the connection felt real at the time. “I really was in love with him,” she said, acknowledging the emotional depth of the relationship. “He touched my heart.”
Despite her frankness, Griffin made clear that the relationship ultimately did not last. She said the pair gave the romance a chance, but age and life circumstances eventually took their toll. Friends and fans had varying reactions when the story became public, with many expressing surprise at the age gap.
A New Chapter After Divorce
Griffin’s remarks come as she navigates life following her split from Bick, with whom she had maintained a relatively private personal life compared with her public career. “I haven’t been with a guy my age since I was in my 30s,” she said, reflecting on her long history of relationships with younger partners. “So I’m constantly called a cougar, but I don’t mind.”
She also turned the term “cougar” on its head, describing it as a form of empowerment rather than a label of shame. “It just means you have the freedom to choose the person that you want as opposed to the age bracket society tells you is the only option for you,” Griffin said.
Griffin’s fans have rallied around her transparency, praising her for sharing such a personal chapter of her life. The comedian says the experience reminded her she is still open to love and connection, even in unexpected places.