BURSTThousands of people have signed a petition blasting CBS' decision to cancel 'The Late Show' with Stephen Colbert, a move that is earning the broadcaster and its parent company criticism and accusations of bending to political pressure from President Trump.
"CBS's decision to cancel Stephen Colbert's show looks blatantly political," the petition published online reads. "As Jon Stewart said Monday night — the cancelling of Colbert by CBS represents 'the fear and pre-compliance that is gripping all of America’s institutions at this very moment, institutions that have chosen not to fight the vengeful and vindictive actions of' the Trump White House. 'This is not the moment to give in.'"
The petition had more than 200,00 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.
Colbert's cancelation came just days after Paramount global, CBS parent company, agreed to pay Trump's foundation $16 million to settle a lawsuit he brought against the company last year over a "60 Minutes" interview with former Vice President Harris.
The comedian and frequent Trump critic blasted Paramount before his show was canceled last week, saying the company had paid the president "a big fat bribe."
Paramount is working to secure a mega merger with fellow entertainment giant Skydance, deal worth billions that will need approval from Trump's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to clear. Despite the criticism, Skydance has promised "unbiased journalism" would continue if the deal is approved.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee, an activist organization in support of Colbert, said in a press release they were planning a rally in New York City in "solidarity" with "The Late Show" on Wednesday and planned to deliver petition signatures to the CBS/Paramount headquarters just blocks away.
Other late-night show hosts have also rallied behind Colbert after CBS announced the show would end in May 2026 after a more than 30-year run. The comedian took over the show in 2015 from former host David Letterman.