Colbert fires back at CBS statement denying it blocked Talarico interview

Late-night host Stephen Colbert fired again Tuesday at a CBS assertion denying that the community blocked the printed of his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico.

“I mentioned my phrase final night time. We made just a few jokes — that is what they pay me for — and I used to be able to let the entire thing go. Till just a few hours in the past, when my group chat blew up as a result of the corporate, with out ever speaking to me, put out this press launch. This assertion,” he mentioned, holding a chunk of paper with CBS’ feedback in his hand. “This can be a surprisingly small piece of paper contemplating what number of butts it is making an attempt to cowl.”

The late-night host learn the assertion, which learn: “CBS was not prohibited from airing the interview with Rep. James Talarico for THE LATE SHOW.” The assertion added that the present gave Colbert authorized steerage that the printed might set off the FCC’s equal-time rule and gave choices on how to take action.

“It is clear that this assertion was written by – and I think – 4 attorneys. Now, I am not a lawyer and I do not wish to inform them the best way to do their job. However since they appear intent on telling me the best way to do mine, right here we go! Guys, guys! I am properly conscious that we will ebook different company,” he mentioned. “I did not need to be on condition that choice. I’ve had Jasmine Crockett on my present twice!”

STEPHEN COLBERT SAYS FCC IS TRYING TO SILENCE HIM, JIMMY KIMMEL AND SETH MEYERS ‘SILENCE’

Late-night host Stephen Colbert held up the CBS Information assertion through the present on February 17, 2026. (CBS/Late Present)

The late-night host mentioned Monday that the community had barred him from airing his interview with Talarico, who’s working for Senate in Texas. The liberal comic tied the transfer to the FCC’s enforcement of the long-standing equal time rule, which permits all legally certified candidates, no matter occasion, to obtain equal airtime on broadcast networks.

“So we obeyed our community and put the interview on YouTube, the place it has been seen thousands and thousands of occasions. And I can see why. Talarico is an fascinating man. I do not know if he must be the senator, but it surely was an excellent dialogue. I want we might have put it on the present, the place nobody would have seen it,” he mentioned Tuesday.

Colbert mentioned each phrase of his script for Monday’s present was authorised by CBS attorneys and mentioned he was not “loopy.”

“I do not know what that is about. To be clear, I am not even offended. I actually don’t need an adversarial relationship with the community. I’ve by no means had one,” he mentioned.

COLBERT FUMES AT CBS, SAYS IT TOOK HIM TO INTERVIEW TEXAS DEM AGAINST FCC CRACKDOWN

Stephen Colbert crumpled up the CBS Information assertion and threw it in a canine poop bag throughout his present on February 17, 2026. (CBS/Late Present)

“I am so shocked that this big, world firm could not stand as much as these bullies. Come on, you are Paramount! No. No. No, you are greater than that. You are Paramount Plus! Plus what? I believe we’re all going to seek out out quickly. And for the attorneys to launch this with out even speaking to me is basically stunning. I do not even know what to do with this nonsense,” the liberal late-night host mentioned.

Colbert then picked up a canine poop bag, grabbed the piece of paper with the assertion and crumpled it up within the bag earlier than throwing it away.

Final yr, CBS introduced that the liberal late night time host’s present would finish in Might 2026.

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The community mentioned on the time that it was a purely monetary choice.

CBS Information and Paramount didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.

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When reached for touch upon Tuesday, the community referred Fox Information Digital to its assertion.