Colbert Cancellation Sparks Outcry: Writers Guild Demands Probe into Alleged Paramount–Trump Deal

 

Writers Guild Demands Investigation into Colbert Cancellation Tied to Trump–Paramount Deal

The Writers Guild of America has issued a strong statement urging New York Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, following explosive claims that the decision was politically motivated and tied to Paramount Global's dealings with former President Donald Trump.

In their statement, the Writers Guild of America East and West questioned whether Colbert’s show was axed as part of what they describe as a troubling pattern: media corporations compromising editorial independence to gain political favor.

This comes after Colbert delivered a fiery monologue criticizing Paramount for what he called a "$16 million bribe" to Trump. That payment was reportedly part of a legal settlement over a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024—a case that many observers considered frivolous and politically charged.

"I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: it’s big, fat bribe," Colbert said during Monday’s broadcast.

The timing raised eyebrows because Paramount is currently seeking federal approval for a massive $28 billion merger with Skydance Media—a process that requires navigating federal regulatory bodies under Trump’s administration.

CBS (a Paramount subsidiary) denied any political motivation, calling the cancellation a “financial decision.” However, the Writers Guild isn't buying that explanation.

“Cancelations are part of the business, but a corporation terminating a show in bad faith due to explicit or implicit political pressure is dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society,” the Guild stated.

They added that the decision appears to come amid what they call “relentless attacks on a free press” by Trump, citing lawsuits against networks, public statements against critical coverage, and funding cuts to public media like PBS and NPR.

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump celebrated Colbert’s cancellation on Truth Social, posting:

“I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.”

Critics argue this could be part of a wider campaign to silence dissenting media voices under the guise of business decisions.

Now, all eyes are on Attorney General Letitia James, as pressure builds for a formal probe into whether corporate media is being used as a pawn in political power plays—and whether the public’s right to a free and independent press is at risk.