Stephen Colbert said he understands why Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres left the United States. He’s considering doing the same after being fired. – New

In a candid and emotional interview this week, late-night television icon Stephen Colbert revealed that he is seriously considering leaving the United States after his abrupt firing from CBS. Colbert, whose razor-sharp wit and political satire have defined “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” for nearly a decade, told reporters, “Now I understand why Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres left. Sometimes, you just have to get out.”

Colbert’s comments have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, reigniting conversations about the pressures faced by outspoken celebrities in the current political and media climate. This investigation delves into the circumstances surrounding Colbert’s firing, the parallels with O’Donnell and DeGeneres, and the broader implications for free speech and dissent in American media.

The Sudden Fall

On July 24, 2025, CBS announced that Colbert would be leaving “The Late Show,” effective immediately. The network cited “creative differences” and a “desire to move in a new direction.” However, sources inside CBS, speaking on condition of anonymity, describe a tense environment in the months leading up to Colbert’s departure.

“He was under constant scrutiny,” said one producer. “Every monologue, every joke was being dissected by the higher-ups. It felt like they were looking for an excuse.”

Colbert’s firing comes on the heels of several controversial segments in which he criticized both major political parties, the Supreme Court, and the rising influence of corporate money in politics. According to colleagues, the tipping point may have been a segment aired on July 18, in which Colbert lampooned a new law restricting protest rights in several states.

“It’s Not Just About Me”

In his interview, Colbert drew direct comparisons to Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, both of whom left the U.S. in the past decade after facing intense media backlash and professional setbacks.