'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' during the July 21, 2025, show. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment The union representing live musicians at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is speaking out against the cancellation of the show. In a statement Friday, Robert Suttmann, president of Local 802 American Federation of Musicians, called the show's surprise cancellation, which Colbert announced July 17, "deeply concerning" both because of the loss of jobs for the musicians in the show's band, as well as for the broader implications on free speech. "Live music has been an integral part of late night shows for decades - serving as a vital platform for musicians to reach audiences, showcase their artistry, and participate in cultural dialogue. Colbert's cancellation threatens not only the livelihoods of the world-class musicians who perform on the show, it also undermines the fundamental principles of free speech and creative expression that are cornerstone values of our industry and our nation," Suttman said. Related Stories TV 'South Park' Creators Reveal Network Battle Over Premiere's Trump Penis as They Joke: "We're Terribly Sorry" Movies Steve Buscemi Recalls Failed Audition for Barry Levinson's 'Tin Men': "There Was This Silence" CBS has said the cancellation was "purely a financial decision" made in a declining linear TV landscape; however, Colbert had recently criticized Paramount, CBS's parent company, and its settlement of the suit filed by President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Suttman also urged other broadcasters to stand up against President Trump, who had posted on social media saying that late night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon would also soon be fired. He added that his union would stand behind its impacted members. "We need to be very honest about what's happening here: The president of the United States himself has said he hopes he played a role in the decision, and has warned NBC and ABC that their late night hosts are next," he said. "This is why it is vital for NBC and ABC to state, loudly and clearly, that they will not allow themselves to be similarly intimidated. Now, more urgently than ever, is a time for courage, not cowardice. "CBS' decision is about much more than just a late night talk show. When an administration tries to silence criticism and dissent by asserting its power, we all need to take notice," Suttman continued. "When censorship is used as a tool to quash free speech, we must stand up together. What's happening now is not only wrong, it goes against what we must stand for as a nation." THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up music Astronomer HR Exec Resigns After She Was Reportedly Shown With CEO in Viral Coldplay Video Penske Media Corporation George Grobar Shifts to Advisor Role at Penske Media, Craig Perreault Named President of Media & Corporate Development cox communications Charter Sheds 80,000 TV Customers in Latest Quarter, Shrinking Losses THR, Esq Dissenting FCC Commissioner: Paramount Chose "Capitulation Over Courage" In Dealing With Trump Skydance Paramount Co-CEO Chris McCarthy Set to Exit After Skydance Merger THR, Esq Paramount-Skydance Merger Approved by FCC, Clearing Way for $8 Billion Deal Close music Astronomer HR Exec Resigns After She Was Reportedly Shown With CEO in Viral Coldplay Video Penske Media Corporation George Grobar Shifts to Advisor Role at Penske Media, Craig Perreault Named President of Media & Corporate Development cox communications Charter Sheds 80,000 TV Customers in Latest Quarter, Shrinking Losses THR, Esq Dissenting FCC Commissioner: Paramount Chose "Capitulation Over Courage" In Dealing With Trump Skydance Paramount Co-CEO Chris McCarthy Set to Exit After Skydance Merger THR, Esq Paramount-Skydance Merger Approved by FCC, Clearing Way for $8 Billion Deal Close