Rep. Jasmine Crockett Comments on CBS Interview Controversy

On Tuesday, Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas addressed the situation regarding CBS and the late-night show hosted by Stephen Colbert, which won’t be airing an interview with her opponent in the Texas Democratic Senate primary, James Talarico.

During a dialogue on MS NOW, host Jen Paschi inquired about a CBS statement that mentioned Crockett in relation to the issue. The network clarified that it hadn’t prohibited Colbert from airing the interview, citing “legal guidance” regarding equal time rules that apply to both Crockett and another contender, Ahmad Hassan.

“I received a call earlier today that explained they had actually informed CBS that they could proceed with Talarico’s interview, as long as I was also given equal time,” Crockett mentioned. “So far, we haven’t heard from The Colbert Show regarding this.”

“I’ve been a guest on Colbert’s show multiple times, and honestly, it would have been a great opportunity if I were offered it,” she added. “But right now, my focus is on Texas since early voting is ongoing. I feel a bit unsure about the situation, to be honest. I got that call while I was engaging with voters.”

Late-Night Show Controversy*

“Look, I don’t particularly like Bari Weiss or Brendan Kerr, but as Jimmy Kimmel pointed out, it’s crucial to stand firm during this moment,” Crockett stated.

Talarico’s interview eventually ended up on YouTube instead of being aired on CBS, a decision Crockett seemed to agree with. “There were various options to consider. Honestly, ‘The Late Show’ opted for this route, and it seems like a wise strategy,” she said.

The congresswoman implied that this controversy might boost Talarico’s campaign. “I think it might have given him the momentum he needed. Perhaps it would have been better for them to skip the debate and head directly to streaming, as resisting this could have significant repercussions,” she remarked.

FCC Investigation Amidst Equal Time Demands*

Crockett mentioned earlier in the day that it was indicated to her that the federal government had not canceled the interview.

“We’ve learned that the federal government didn’t shut this segment down. I believe it’s true, and we’re anticipating a public statement from Paramount. Once we receive it, we’ll evaluate what they say,” she explained.

Crockett suggested that Colbert and CBS chose not to air the interview out of “fear” the FCC might object. “Maybe they were told that having me on could potentially resolve the issue,” she added. “I get the sense that someone made a decision not to go forward with it. I don’t have much admiration for the current FCC, but I recognize there are many layers to this situation.”

Talarico’s Response

Talarico took to X to place blame on President Trump and the FCC regarding the issue. “This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see. His FCC refused to let my interview with Stephen Colbert air. Trump is anxious about a potential shift in Texas,” he wrote.

Fox News Digital reached out to the FCC for comment but didn’t hear back immediately.

Talarico’s team also shared on X that they had raised $2.5 million in response to “the FCC’s ban on interviews with Colbert.”

Colbert publicly criticized CBS’s denial of blocking him from airing the interview in his Tuesday show, emphasizing that he “followed” his network’s directive.

“We complied with the network and moved the interview to YouTube, where it attracted millions of views. I can understand why—Talarico is a fascinating individual. I’m not sure he should be a senator, but the debate was compelling. I wish we could have aired it on a platform that could have showcased it better,” he remarked.