Jon Batiste Defends Stephen Colbert Amid ‘Late Show’ Cancellation Controversy

In a recent interview with **Rolling Stone AU/NZ**, renowned American musician Jon Batiste voiced his support for former colleague Stephen Colbert following the announcement that CBS’s **The Late Show** would be concluding in 2026. This decision, labeled by CBS as a “completely financial” one, has sparked significant backlash from various notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Jon Stewart and David Letterman. Many critics have raised questions about whether this move is politically motivated.

CBS’s decision to end **The Late Show** has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the intersection of media, politics, and artistic freedom. The network’s announcement came just weeks ago, and since then, it has been met with a wave of criticism. Batiste, who served as the bandleader and musical director of **The Late Show** from 2015 to 2022, expressed his discontent with the network’s choice. He articulated that Colbert’s situation is symptomatic of a larger issue in the industry: the prioritization of profit over artistic expression.

In his interview, Batiste stated, “What is happening to my friend Stephen is a symptom of the over-commercialization of our industry.” He emphasized the alarming trend where financial considerations overshadow the importance of free speech and artistic integrity. Batiste remarked, “We are living in an era where reasonable pricing can stifle the voice of free speech, something we should be incredibly, incredibly concerned about.”

As an artist, Batiste believes it is crucial to advocate for free speech and the ability to share one’s truth. He reflected on his time with Colbert, noting the significance of their partnership and the impact it had on his development as an artist. “Being on national television in my twenties, learning the fundamentals of performing in a nightly show with a band, and actually being on screen and doing that for seven years was incredibly meaningful,” he shared.

As the anniversary of their first meeting approaches, Batiste reminisced about the warmth and camaraderie he experienced working alongside Colbert. “I am grateful to him, and I think no matter where he goes, his voice will not be silenced,” Batiste asserted. He believes that while the challenge to free speech is real, the spirit of an individual cannot be extinguished. “He will find another platform, another outlet; I am sure of that. I support him.”

The cancellation of **The Late Show** has also drawn attention to broader political implications. Senator **Elizabeth Warren** contributed to the conversation with a commentary piece for **Variety**, questioning the motivations behind the show’s cancellation. She highlighted the ongoing merger between Paramount and Skydance, a major media company, which is valued at $8 billion. Warren pointed out that this merger could lead to increased costs for millions of viewers.

Warren’s commentary suggested that the merger could only proceed with approval from the Trump administration, raising concerns about the influence of political power on media decisions. She criticized Paramount for settling with Trump over a lawsuit, alleging that the company paid $16 million to his presidential library. This, she argued, resembles a bribe, echoing sentiments that Colbert himself expressed on his show. Colbert had referred to the financial settlement as “a big, fat bribe,” and just three days later, CBS announced the cancellation of his show.

The situation surrounding **The Late Show** reflects a growing concern in the media landscape about the impact of corporate interests on creative expression. As Batiste and other artists like Colbert face these challenges, it raises critical questions about the future of late-night television and the ability of artists to speak freely without fear of financial repercussions.

The intertwining of media and politics is not a new phenomenon, but the recent developments highlight how fragile artistic platforms can be when they are subjected to corporate and political pressures. The cancellation of a show that has been a staple of American late-night television for years signals a shift that could have lasting implications for how media operates in the future.

Jon Batiste’s defense of Stephen Colbert is not just a personal endorsement; it is a clarion call for the importance of free speech in the arts. As the media landscape continues to evolve, artists must remain vigilant in advocating for their rights to express themselves without undue influence from financial or political entities. The fate of **The Late Show** serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between commerce and creativity, and the ongoing struggle to maintain the integrity of artistic expression in an increasingly commercialized world.

In light of these events, the artistic community and viewers alike must engage in conversations about the value of free speech and the role of media in society. As Batiste aptly noted, while the challenges may be significant, the spirit of creativity and the pursuit of truth are resilient forces that will continue to thrive, regardless of the obstacles faced.