Stephen Colbert's Late Show Ends: A 'Big Fat Bribe' or Purely Financial?
SCANDAL ROCKS CBS: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Canceled Amidst Allegations of Political Retaliation
In a shocking move that has left fans reeling, CBS has announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, just days after the host publicly blasted the network's $16 million settlement with President Trump as a "big fat bribe." The news sent shockwaves through the TV industry and had viewers scratching their heads.
Colbert, 61, who took over the show in 2015, will bring his iconic broadcast to an end in May 2026. The decision, according to CBS, is "purely financial" and not related to the show's performance or content. However, many are questioning whether the cancelation is a direct result of Colbert's scathing criticism of the network.
The controversy began when Trump accused CBS of falsely editing an interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. While the network didn't admit to any journalistic wrongdoing, the massive settlement will cover Trump's legal fees and his future presidential library. Paramount also agreed to release unedited transcripts of 60 Minutes interviews with presidential candidates.
Colbert, known for his sharp wit and biting humor, did not hesitate to take aim at his parent corporation during his opening monologue on Wednesday. He called the lawsuit against CBS a "nuisance" and claimed that Paramount could've easily fought it, citing the company's own words calling the allegations "completely without merit."
In a series of zingers, Colbert poked fun at the network's decision to settle, joking that they must be desperate for cash. He referenced a fictional statement, claiming CBS said, "You may take our money, but you will never take our dignity. You may, however, purchase our dignity for the low, low price of $16 million. We need the cash."
The comedian then went on to argue that the settlement was indeed a "big fat bribe," citing the company's recent $8.4 billion merger with Skydance, which will need approval from the Trump administration.
IS CBS TRYING TO SILENCE COLBERT?
As TheScholarlyNote.com exclusively reported earlier this week, the merger could put pressure on Colbert to ease up on his anti-Trump rhetoric. David Ellison, owner of Skydance, has expressed a desire for a more neutral tone on politics, while his father, Larry Ellison, is a major Trump supporter who joined the president at the White House in January for the unveiling of a project called Stargate.
The New York Times reported that Larry Ellison is providing the $8 billion for the CBS deal. But Colbert brushed off the rumors on his show Wednesday, joking that his new mustache will make it impossible for the new executives to find and pressure him.
COLBERT'S FAREWELL
Just one day after his scathing monologue, Colbert announced the cancelation of his program during a live taping of The Late Show. As he broke the news to the audience, they responded with emphatic "boos."
"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of the Late Show on CBS," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
"I'm not being replaced; this is all just going away," Colbert continued. "I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to host this long-running show. It's been an honor and a privilege."
As the news spread like wildfire across social media, California Senator Adam Schiff weighed in on Twitter, posting: "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better."
TheScholarlyNote.com will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.