Stars Commemorate Stephen Colbert’s Last Show With First Amendment Video

BusinessMediaStars Commemorate Stephen Colbert’s Last Show With First Amendment VideoByRick Ellis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. The global media business, from streaming to linear TVFollow AuthorMay 21, 2026, 05:05pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.NEW YORK CITY - JULY 17: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert during Thursday's July 17, 2025 show. (Photo by Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)CBS via Getty ImagesAhead of Thursday final show of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the Committee for the First Amendment, founded by Jane Fonda, released a video commemorating Stephen Colbert and promising to carry the torch he held so high.Talent who participate in the video include Jane Fonda, Mark Ruffalo, Ariana Debose, Harvey Guillen, Alan Cumming, Sally Field, Yvette Nicole Brown, Connie Britton, Bradley Whitfield, Ted Danson, and Mary Steenburgen. Here is a link to the Instagram video of the message.And here is the complete script of the comments:Today, Stephen Colbert hosts The Late Show for the last time.He called out CBS for paying off Trump. CBS canceled his show.I’m going to miss him — and I’m disturbed by what it means that he’ll be gone.For over a decade on The Late Show, Stephen has used humor to bring us joy while holding power accountable. He has made us laugh, and he has never flinched.The fact that both CBS and Donald Trump wanted Stephen gone tells you everything you need to know about how much power a comedian with a microphone has right now.We’ve watched this administration repeatedly try to suppress dissent:Jimmy Kimmel — suspended. NPR — defunded. The AP, The View, and now The Wall Street Journal — sued, threatened, pressured.MORE FOR YOUThese are not the actions of the powerful. These are the actions of the threatened. And they are attacks on the First Amendment.That’s why we’re here. That’s why the Commit...