‘Holy Bazinga!’ Stephen Colbert Roasts His CBS Bosses for Considering ‘Shady’ $50M Trump Payoff

Comedian Stephen Colbert turned his fire inwards on The Late Show Tuesday night and unloaded on CBS’s parent company, Paramount, over reports it may pay President Donald Trump a hefty settlement – just as the company awaits regulatory approval from his administration.

Trump is suing CBS for $20 billion, alleging that a 60 Minutes interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris was deceptively edited to cast her in a better light. While the lawsuit was widely dismissed as legally shaky, new reporting suggests Paramount is now considering a settlement of up to $50 million.

“Holy bazinga!” Colbert laughed when dropping the number during his monologue. “Now, because handing over a pile of cash to a president over a frivolous lawsuit to get your broadcast license approved sounds so shady, Senators Ron Wyden, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders sent a letter to Paramount HQ raising concerns that this possible settlement risks violating bribery laws.”

Pivoting to the punchline, he continued: “Ladies and gentlemen I am a proud company man. I love who I work for, and I will stand up against these scurrilous accusations that Paramount is engaged in corporate and political malfeasance — for the low price of $50 million.”

In a mock plea he added: “Paramount. Come on. Come on. Let’s just talk turkey here. Daddy just wants to get his beak wet. You cut the check and zip. I’m joking.”

Then, with a grin: “I’m joking, obviously. Satire, etc. I would never take a bribe from CBS – if Donald Trump outbids them! Because, Mr. President, I am willing to testify on your side in this lawsuit for 50 million and one dollars.”

As the audience roared Colbert offered one final jab, circling on Trump’s promises about his Qatari jet “gift”: “And remember, remember, sir, this is not a gift to me. It is a gift to the Stephen Colbert Presidential Library.”

Watch above via CBS.