Key Highlights
- That company insisted it was “purely a financial decision” and claimed the show ― which is number one in its time slot ― was losing $40 million a year.
- But most observers cast doubt on that number, with fellow late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel calling the corporate claims about Colbert “obviously lies.” Advertisement Instead, many believe political pressure played a role. The decision came as corporate parent Paramount was trying to complete a merger with Skydance Media ― which required approval from the FCC ― and after President Donald Trump had repeatedly attacked Colbert and called for him to be canceled.
- The deal was approved the following week, putting David Ellison ― son of billionaire Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who reportedly bankrolled the merger ― in charge of the combined entity.
- In the meantime, Colbert hasn’t held back.
- He’s repeatedly called out the company that fired him ― including last month, when it launched a $108 billion bid for a hostile takeover of Warner Bros.
