CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert received major backlash for a crass joke he made about President Donald Trump on Monday night that involved Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting the hashtag #FireColbert to sweep across Twitter.
Colbert unleashed a spate of insults at Trump during his show Monday, including one involving Putin that drew particular condemnation.
"You have more people marching against you than cancer," Colbert said. "You talk like a sign-language gorilla who got hit in the head. In fact, the only thing your mouth is good for is being Vladimir Putin's cock holster."
Colbert attacked Trump after the president's contentious interview with the late-night host's network colleague, CBS political director John Dickerson, aired.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67GMwg88yr0
On Tuesday, #FireColbert became the no. two trending topic nationally on Twitter. Users castigated the "Late Show" host, calling for his resignation or firing.
#FireColbert
He does not belong on a major network.
Or even a minor one.
He belongs in a dive bar where Trump-hating homophobes rant.— Philip Schuyler (@FiveRights) May 4, 2017
Unfunny show has now become a disgusting show. Turning off CBS. #FireColbert
— Daniel Doran (@danielktdoran) May 2, 2017
Force liberals to live up to their own standards! #FireColbert
— Mary Walter (@MaryWalterRadio) May 3, 2017
@StephenAtHome Totally unacceptable and shameful to speak of our Commander In Chief that way #FIRECOLBERT
— Dantrell Dawson (@blackconsrve) May 2, 2017
Waaaaaaay over the line. Needs to issue a formal apology & go on several weeks of UNPAID leave. Else, #FireColbert. https://t.co/CcD09EHtvn
— skjult (@skjultster) May 2, 2017
Not everyone supported the #FireColbert movement, however. Fox News host Sean Hannity defended Colbert even though he did not agree with his joke.
I will NOT support #FireColbert. I am vs ALL BOYCOTTS. He is a horrible human being, but if u don't like him change the channel.
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) May 3, 2017
Colbert addressed the backlash on his show Wednesday night. While the CBS host refused to apologize and said he has no regrets, he acknowledged "a few words that were cruder than they needed to be."
"Now, if you saw my monologue Monday, you know that I was a little upset at Donald Trump for insulting a friend of mine. So at the end of that monologue, I had a few choice insults for the president in return. I don't regret that," Colbert said, adding that the president can take care of himself.
The talk show host then went on to say he would have changed a few choice words.
"So while I would do it again, I would change a few words that were cruder than they needed to be," Colbert said.