In a fiery segment on Tuesday, "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert unleashed a scathing critique of CBS and its legal team, condemning a recent statement from the network as "crap." To emphasize his point, Colbert theatrically picked up the document with a dog waste bag and disposed of it, symbolizing his disdain for what he deemed a misleading corporate response.
Background of the Controversy
The dispute stems from an interview Colbert conducted earlier this week with Texas state Representative James Talarico, a Democrat. CBS intervened, instructing Colbert not to air the segment unless he offered equal time to Talarico's rivals in the state's U.S. Senate primary. This directive was prompted by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who last month threatened to enforce equal-time regulations for TV talk shows, which have historically been exempt from such rules.
Colbert explained on his show, "He issued a letter saying he was thinking about getting rid of that talk show exception. He had not gotten rid of it yet, but CBS generously did it for him." The audience responded with jeers, reflecting widespread frustration with the network's decision.
Network Statement Sparks Outrage
Earlier on Tuesday, CBS released a statement disputing Colbert's account of events. Colbert expressed bafflement, noting that the network and its attorneys were fully aware of the segment's content. "Without ever talking to me, the corporation put out this press release, this statement," he said, holding up the document. "This is a surprisingly small piece of paper considering how many butts it's trying to cover."
He further clarified that every word of his script from Monday's show had been approved by CBS's lawyers, a standard practice for the program. In an unusual twist, attorneys even contacted him backstage during recording to provide additional notes, a first in his experience. "They told us the language they wanted me to use to describe that equal-time exception, and I used that language. So, I don't know what this is about," Colbert stated, highlighting the inconsistency in the network's actions.
Colbert's Disappointment and Future Implications
While Colbert insisted he is not angry and does not seek an adversarial relationship with CBS, he conveyed deep disappointment. "I'm just so surprised that this giant global corporation would not stand up to these bullies," he remarked, referring to the FCC's regulatory pressures. This controversy unfolds as CBS has announced that "The Late Show" will be canceled in May, adding a layer of poignancy to the host's remarks.
The interview with Talarico, which ignited this battle, is available on YouTube and has garnered millions of views, underscoring public interest in the issue. Colbert's full segment, including his dramatic disposal of the statement, has sparked discussions about media freedom, corporate compliance, and the evolving landscape of broadcast regulations.
