On July 18, 2025, the American entertainment industry was rocked when CBS abruptly announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after its 2025-26 season. But what truly set the world abuzz was the rumor: Stephen Colbert was hospitalized due to severe psychological shock following the alleged ban of his show under pressure from President Donald Trump. What’s really going on? Let’s dive into the truth behind this jaw-dropping story!

Stephen Colbert, the sharp-witted host known for his biting satire, has long been a “nemesis” of Trump. During the July 14, 2025, episode, Colbert publicly called the $16 million settlement Paramount (CBS’s parent company) paid to Trump to resolve a lawsuit tied to 60 Minutes “a hefty bribe.” Just three days later, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show, prompting speculation: Was this a retaliatory move by Trump?

Colbert, who has hosted the show since 2015, is not just a host but a symbol of free speech. He frequently invited Democratic politicians like Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren while fearlessly mocking Trump on air. This time, however, it seems he may have crossed a line by criticizing Paramount’s deal with Trump, especially as the company awaits approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—controlled by Trump—for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.

An unverified source on X claimed that after learning of the show’s cancellation, Stephen Colbert fell into severe psychological shock, requiring emergency hospitalization. Though neither CBS nor Colbert’s team has confirmed this, the rumor spread like wildfire on social media, leaving fans anxious. Could the pressure of being “banned” have pushed the 61-year-old star to a breaking point?

Some X posts even accused this of being a sign of “censorship” under Trump’s administration, with shows threatened for daring to criticize the government. One user wrote: “Trump got CBS to cancel The Late Show because Colbert spoke about Epstein and Palestine. Is this Putin’s America now?”

The cancellation news sent shockwaves through the entertainment and political spheres. Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, posted on Instagram: “Love you, Stephen. CBS is despicable!” Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and other stars like Julia Louis-Dreyfus also voiced support for Colbert, calling the decision “a shameful political move.”

Democratic senators like Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff publicly demanded an investigation into whether the cancellation stemmed from Trump’s pressure. Warren wrote on X: “CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after he called Paramount’s settlement a bribe. Americans deserve the truth!”

Trump: “I Love That Colbert Got Fired!”

Meanwhile, President Trump made no effort to hide his glee over the cancellation. He posted on Truth Social: “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent is worse than his ratings!” Trump even took a jab at Jimmy Kimmel, warning: “Kimmel’s next!”

CBS insists the cancellation of The Late Show was a “purely financial decision,” unrelated to the show’s content or the Trump settlement. However, given Paramount’s need for FCC approval and Colbert’s history of clashing with Trump, many question this explanation. Is this a strategic move to appease Trump, or simply an economic decision as late-night TV loses viewers?