Late-night host Stephen Colbert shared his frustration with Paramount following CBS’s parent company settling a lawsuit initiated by President Trump that he feels tarnished Paramount’s standing.
On a recent episode of “The Late Show,” Colbert remarked, “As a show business professional, it’s really the network’s call,” referring to the choice made by the company. He also discussed this in a GQ interview.
Colbert mentioned he “understands” why some view the settlement as a means to appease the Trump administration, noting that “Paramount’s lawyers have insisted it holds no merit whatsoever.”
“It clearly damages the network’s reputation and the integrity of the news department. I struggle to see why anyone would make that choice unless it’s to gain favor with one person,” he added, a bit perplexed. “I just don’t get it—why go down that path?”
He commented on the speculation around his association with this issue, saying, “If people think I’m connected to that, I get it because CBS has acted in ways like this before. But my own integrity is intact. I have no desire to clean up someone else’s mess.”
The settlement relates to how an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris was edited on “60 Minutes,” which surfaced just weeks before the Trump administration approved a significant merger between Paramount and Skydance.
Following the merger, CBS announced plans to end Colbert’s show next May, citing financial strains as the reason.
Paramount’s oversight of CBS has faced significant scrutiny, particularly during a leadership transition and recent departures of prominent journalists from the network.
Colbert has been openly critical of Trump and his supporters, stating to GQ, “Regardless of today’s events, there’s always room—and profit—in making jokes about the situation.”
“But when I see actions that could be detrimental to the American public and tarnish our invaluable reputation, it weighs on me,” he remarked. “There will never be another America like this, though that doesn’t mean we’re invulnerable.”
“That thought really resonates with me as an American, depending on how you interpret it,” he concluded, adding, “And I appreciate the humor in this.”
These remarks were made during an interview where President Trump expressed admiration for the new CBS leadership.
