Stephen Colbert has never been one to shy away from sharing his unfiltered opinions. Earlier this year, Colbert used his monologue to call out then-CBS CEO Les Moonves over sexual misconduct allegations. On Tuesday, December 18, Colbert took another shot at his now former boss after reports surfaced that Moonves lost out on his $120 million severance after an internal investigation by the network.
“There is news about former CBS chairman and Reason We All Have to Go Through Sensitivity Training, Les Moonves,” Colbert joked. “You’ll recall that Moonves left CBS after allegations of sexual harassment and assault. CBS investigated the claims and determined that Les Moonves will not receive his $120 million severance.”
He later joked about Moonves’ arrogance and the string of investigative shows that have been greenlit by the network throughout Moonves’ career.
“Investigators said Moonves should forfeit the severance in part because of his ‘willful failure to cooperate fully with the company’s investigation,'” he said. “How on Earth did Les Moonves think he’d get away with that? Every show he greenlit for the last 20 years was about investigations. On the bright side, CBS now has enough material for a new procedural, NCIS: Human Resources.”
Well played.
You can check out Colbert’s full comments in the video below.
Moonves first came under investigation back in July when his sexual misconduct allegations came to light. In September, a second expose came out with even further allegations. Now, after his lack of cooperation, the CBS Board of Directors have determined Moonves was fired with just cause, leaving his severance pay a thing of the past.
“We have determined that there are grounds to terminate for cause, including his willful and material misfeasance, violation of company policies and breach of his employment contract, as well as his willful failure to cooperate fully with the company’s investigation,” a CBS rep said in a statement to the New York Post.