1 month ago
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“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert went after his corporate parents on Tuesday amid reports that Paramount, which owns CBS, was prepared to settle a lawsuit with President Donald Trump.
Trump last year sued the network for $20 billion over a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which he claimed was edited to make her look better.
“At first, CBS said they’d fight this frivolous lawsuit,” Colbert said. “But here’s the rub: Paramount is in the process of being sold, right now, and they need the Trump administration’s FCC to approve transferring the CBS broadcast license to the new owners, which, for vague reasons, they just haven’t done yet.”
Then this week, it was reported that Paramount is ready to settle that lawsuit with Trump for up to $50 million.
Colbert reacted:
Several lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), warned Paramount not to settle, with some saying that such a move could violate laws against bribery.
Colbert went into mock outrage mode.
“Ladies and gentlemen I am a proud company man. I love who I work for, and I will stand up against these scurrilous accusations that Paramount is engaged in corporate and political malfeasance,” Colbert declared. “For the low price of $50 million.”
But he also sensed another opportunity.
“I’m joking, obviously. Satire, etc. I would never take a bribe from CBS ― if Donald Trump outbids them!” he said. “Because, Mr. President, I am willing to testify on your side in this lawsuit for 50 million and one dollars.”
See more in his Tuesday night monologue:
English (US) ·