Sandra Bernhard: 'Kathy Griffin copied me'

Sandra Bernard has accused Kathy Griffin of "borrowing" from her approach to stand-up.

Talking to PopEater, Bernhard admitted that she is not a fan of Griffin's work as it does not show enough "sophistication" for her tastes.

"I think Kathy studied me in the early days. She borrowed a little bit," Bernhard explained.

"I like to keep it a little more intellectual. I just don't like to take it down to the obvious. It's not me. I was raised on sophistication."

However, she went on to say that she admires fellow comedian Chelsea Handler's approach, adding: "I like Chelsea. She's more of a personality."

Griffin began campaigning for a Tony Award earlier this year for her Broadway comedy tour.

Bernard previously confessed that she misses the friendship she shared with Madonna in the 1980s, but insisted that their relationship was never sexual.