Stephen Colbert made his return to late-night television on Monday, aiming his comments at both his network and former President Donald Trump.
During his monologue on the Late Show, Colbert criticized the merger between Paramount, the parent company of CBS where his show airs, and Skydance Media.
“We had some big news from the entertainment world this weekend,” Colbert stated, addressing the audience, “Trump’s FCC has given the green light to the merger of Paramount and Skydance, right after that $16 million settlement involving Trump and, oh, my cancellation.”
“Has it really been cancelled?!” he joked. “I mean, I thought I was aware of that, but maybe I inhaled some glue during my flight over the weekend.”
He mocked the merger and its new stock ticker symbol (PSKY), quipping that the network’s new motto would be “a warm entertainment pitcher.”
Colbert took aim at FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who had previously claimed he was dealing with “cancer.” Colbert responded with, “Is Colbert cancer? Was that the crucial contract? I should probably call my agent. I have a strict non-cancer clause!”
Then, he shifted his focus to President Trump.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd7tebvnkog
Colbert highlighted one of Trump’s social media posts, criticizing ABC and NBC as tools of the Democrats, hinting that Trump could “revoke” their broadcasting licenses.
He also touched upon Trump’s presidential threats, mentioning an indictment involving Kamala Harris, and joked about A-list celebrities like Beyoncé being implicated in using campaign funds related to presidential election delays.
Colbert, who has reportedly lost around $40 million annually since he began hosting in 2015, presented a satirical “response” to Trump’s claims that he suggested might have come from Beyoncé.
His parody song drew connections to Jeffrey Epstein, who had past ties with Trump. The absurd lyrics of this fabricated Beyoncé song included lines like:
You and Jeff, you and Jeff
If all his files were released
You’re being f’
I had to be distracted
From all these damning Epstein photos
Don’t come for me like that
I got a big ol’ bat
Not a moment
I think I’ll forget
You are a pedophile companion
There’s no solid evidence linking Trump to a visit to Jeffrey Epstein’s island, and the former president himself has stated he turned down an invitation, claiming he “had no privilege” to visit Epstein’s location.
