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Colbert Won't Apologize for Vulgar Trump Joke, But Would Change a Few 'Crude' Words

'I would change a few words that were cruder than they needed to be'

Stephen Colbert / Getty

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.

Not everyone supported the #FireColbert movement, however. Fox News host Sean Hannity defended Colbert even though he did not agree with his joke.

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.