Stephen Colbert “Not Surprised” by Leslie Moonves Ouster

Following the ouster of CBS CEO Leslie Moonves on Sunday, Late Show host Stephen Colbert addressed his former boss’ departure. 

Colbert wasted no time in addressing the Moonves issue. “Never a good sign when you’re the subject of a Ronan Farrow double-dip,” the host mentioned of the exposés about his former boss.

“The article is extremely disturbing, and I’m not surprised that’s it. Moonves is gone … for at least nine months until he shows up for a set at the Comedy Cellar,” Colbert quipped, referencing Louis C.K.’s recent return to stand-up at the New York City club.

Moonves was ousted after a second report of sexual misconduct by another six women, reported by Ronan Farrow in The New Yorker, on Sunday morning. After his removal, Moonves issued a statement saying, “For the past 24 years it has been an incredible privilege to lead CBS’ renaissance and transformation into a leading global media company. The best part of this journey has been working alongside the dedicated and talented people in this company. Together, we built CBS into a destination where the best in the business come to work and succeed.”

Colbert had addressed the claims against Moonves when they first surfaced in July, saying, “I believe in accountability. Everybody believes in accountability until it’s their guy, and make no mistake: Les Moonves is my guy.”

Following Colbert, host James Corden opened The Late Late Show on a serious note by addressing Moonves.

“A late-night host’s job is to come out and make jokes about the news, but sometimes that news isn’t very funny,” Corden said from his desk after the opening monologue. “It’s been a very difficult day here at CBS, but that pales in comparison to how difficult it must be for the many women who are coming forward.”

Adding, “They are being listened to, and they are being heard. And it’s only by listening to these stories that we as a society can make sure the corporate culture that has been exposed in this last year or so may never be allowed to return.”