CBS Statement Denying It Blocked the Talarico Interview
CBS released a statement claiming the network merely 'provided legal guidance' to The Late Show — which Colbert called 'crap' and picked up with a dog waste bag on live television.
Full Text
“The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Representative James Talarico. The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal time rule for two other candidates, including Representative Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled. The Late Show decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal time options.”
Colbert’s Rebuttal
Colbert disputed the statement on three grounds:
- It was released without consulting him. CBS released the statement without talking to the host it was about.
- It mischaracterized the situation. CBS lawyers called him directly to say he could not broadcast the interview. Being “presented with options” was not how it happened.
- CBS lawyers controlled every word. “They know damn well that every word of my script last night was approved by CBS’s lawyers who, for the record, approved every script that goes on the air.”
The Dog Waste Bag
Colbert held up the printed statement, said “I don’t even know what to do with this crap,” pulled a plastic dog waste bag from behind his desk, picked up the statement, tied a knot, and mimed throwing it away before cutting to commercial.