Colbert Calls CBS Statement 'Crap' on Air
Colbert escalated his confrontation with CBS/Paramount, picking up the network's denial statement with a dog waste bag and challenging the corporation to 'stand up to these bullies.'
The Statement
CBS released a statement without consulting Colbert claiming the show was not “prohibited” from broadcasting the interview but was merely “provided legal guidance” about equal time obligations.
Colbert’s Response
Colbert held up the printed statement, said “I don’t even know what to do with this crap,” then pulled a plastic dog waste bag from behind his desk, picked up the statement, tied a knot, and mimed throwing it away.
He revealed that CBS lawyers had called him backstage during the previous night’s show to dictate specific language about the equal time exception — something that had never happened in his career. “They know damn well that every word of my script last night was approved by CBS’s lawyers.”
Addressing Paramount
Colbert challenged the corporate parent directly: “I’m just so surprised that this giant global corporation would not stand up to these bullies. Come on, you’re Paramount. No, you’re more than that. You’re Paramount Plus. Plus what? I guess we’re all going to find out pretty soon.”