Colbert’s Dig at Paramount Over Settlement with Trump
Late-night host Stephen Colbert took a jab at his network, Paramount, during a “60 Minutes” interview regarding a settlement with former President Donald Trump related to election interference. Both “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and the “60 Minutes” program air on CBS, which is owned by Paramount.
Colbert humorously referred to the complex financial dealings with government officials, saying it has a legal term: “big fatty courier.” This comes as Paramount seeks to facilitate the Trump administration’s efforts to sell the network to Skydance.
The parent company, Paramount, has agreed to pay Trump over $30 million to settle the lawsuit he filed against CBS about its handling of his interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which took place last year. Colbert pointed out that Paramount’s statement claimed, “You could take our money, but you would never take our dignity,” humorously adding that dignity could be purchased for a mere $16 million.
Fair Election Fund Calls for Accountability
The Fair Election Fund has urged the FCC to examine CBS’s actions regarding potential illegal conduct in connection with the “60 Minutes” interviews.
Colbert commented on the alleged pressure from new owner Shari Redstone, suggesting it might affect how “60 Minutes” reported on the lawsuit. He quipped, “Okay, but how are they going to put pressure on Stephen Colbert if they can’t find him?”
Trump’s lawsuit claimed $20 billion over the perceived misconduct during his interview with Harris, alleging misleading edits. CBS has stood by its journalistic integrity and the settlement terms.
Additionally, a top “60 Minutes” producer recently resigned, citing a lack of independence in the show’s operations.
Colbert’s criticisms are part of a broader backlash within CBS among staff, media watchdogs, and journalism advocates, many of whom are upset about the implications of this settlement.
Senator Bernie Sanders also weighed in, stating that the settlement sends a “very dangerous precedent” concerning First Amendment rights and government pressure.
