The 'Solidarity' Show: Comedians roast Trump as he targets late-night hosts
It began with a monologue by Colbert, who asserted that with the show coming to an end, the gloves were officially off, and he could finally express his thoughts about Trump. "Go f**k yourself," the 61-year-old late-night veteran said while exclaiming that "cancel culture has gone too far".TRUMP TARGETS LATE-NIGHT SHOWSLast week, CBS announced that it decided to cancel 'The Late Show', bringing the franchise to an end after more than 30 years. The announcement raised concerns about the future of late-night comedy and shock from the show's loyal viewers but delight from Trump.After CBS announced that the show would breathe its last in May 2026, Trump posted on Truth Social. "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings," the President said.However, Paramount, the parent company of CBS, said the move was "purely a financial decision" and not related to the show's performance. The reason had few takers, with sceptics suggesting the decision was politically motivated.The announcement came at a time when Paramount is seeking approval from the administration for an $8 billion merger deal with Skydance, a production company with ties to pro-Trump billionaire Larry Ellison.Earlier this month, Paramount reached a $16 million settlement with Trump following his lawsuit against the company over its editing of an interview with Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, both NBC late-night hosts, were part of the audience (CBS)
'BIG FAT BRIBE'Colbert, a vocal critic of Trump, called the settlement a "big fat bribe". He also raised the matter during the 'The Late Show', albeit in a light-hearted manner."How could it be a purely financial decision if 'The Late Show' is number one in ratings? It's confusing," he said, suggesting attempts by the firm to curry favour with Trump.advertisementDuring the show, the cameras also captured the reactions of Colbert's fellow late-night peers. A viral video shows Bravo host Andy Cohen leaning and kissing Cooper, with the CNN anchor looking visibly shocked.'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers of 'Late Night' were spotted sharing beers.'TRUMP' CAUGHT IN KISS CAMHowever, the highlight of the show was a spoof of the viral kiss-cam fiasco at a Coldplay concert featuring a cartoon image of Trump embracing the Paramount logo. Much like the former Astronomer CEO, the cartoon Trump is seen ducking in a panic when the spotlight falls on him.Last week, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron (who has now quit) and the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot, both married, were spotted cuddling each other in a video relayed on a giant screen during the Coldplay concert. As the footage was relayed, the duo hid from the camera, but their "affair" was already outed.JIMMY KIMMEL NEXT ON 'CHOPPING BLOCK'?However, the show of solidarity became a springboard for Trump to target other longtime late-night hosts who have been critical of him. On Tuesday, Trump, in a post on Truth Social, claimed that ABC host Jimmy Kimmel and NBC's Jimmy Fallon were the "next" on the chopping block.advertisementCalling them "untalented late-night sweepstakes", Trump said they had "absolutely no talent" and claimed they were paid millions to destroy what used to be "great television"."I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert," Trump posted.- EndsMust Watch
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