Stephen Colbert wasn’t cancelled for criticising Trump but being too one sided

Catholic comedian Stephen Colbert has criticised CBS for cancelling The Late Show, alleging his outspoken views on Donald Trump got him fired. But Billy Hallowell argues that comedy is not the place for one-sided politics

When US TV channel CBS decided to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, it provoked a great deal of debate. Some claimed it was an act of political persecution due to Colbert’s regular critiques of President Donald Trump.

Thus far, the voices decrying the decision are loud. David Letterman, creator of The Late Show and its former comedic host, lambasted the move, calling it “pure cowardice” and pushing back on claims the cancellation was for strictly financial reasons.

Without getting too lost in the weeds, Colbert’s dismissal, which takes effect next year, comes amid Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump, who sued them over an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris aired on the show 60 Minutes.