Musician Bruce Springsteen criticized Paramount Global owners Larry and David Ellison during his appearance on the penultimate episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
He linked the program's cancellation to political pressure, according to a report by The Daily Beast.
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CBS News had announced in July 2025 that the late-night franchise would end its 33-year run.
The network decision followed public criticism from Colbert regarding a $16 million settlement paid by CBS to Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris.
The settlement coincided with Paramount seeking regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance, owned by David Ellison, son of billionaire Trump donor Larry Ellison.
During the broadcast, Springsteen expressed solidarity with the host before a live musical performance.
"I am here tonight in support of Stephen, because you’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke," Springsteen said.
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He added: "And because Larry and David Ellison feel the need to kiss his a-- to get what they want.
Stephen, these are small-minded people who’ve got no idea what the freedoms of this beautiful country are supposed to be about."
Springsteen then performed an acoustic rendition of his protest song "Streets of Minneapolis," which addresses federal immigration agents' actions.
The corporate merger between Paramount and Skydance was finalized in August 2025.
Colbert had previously characterized the legal settlement as a financial bribe to secure administrative approval.
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The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to air on Thursday night.
