The host of CBS' 'Late Show' clarifies that he never joked about Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis while wishing the royal a speedy recovery following criticism.
- March 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - Stephen Colbert expressed regret for making insensitive remarks about Kate Middleton during a recent episode of "The Late Show" before she announced her cancer diagnosis.
"I do not make light of somebody else's tragedy," Colbert said, recognizing that cancer is a personally harrowing experience for both the patient and their family.
Ahead of Middleton's diagnosis announcement, Colbert had perpetuated a rumor that Prince William cheated on her. While some viewers pointed out the lack of an apology in Colbert's remarks, others defended his right to joke about public figures.
The rumors about Middleton's whereabouts had gained traction online following her absence from public events for several weeks. Colbert's jokes referenced speculation that her absence was linked to William having an affair.
These rumors originated in 2019 when British tabloid The Sun published an article suggesting a fallout between Kate and Rose Hanbury, alleging that Kate had requested William distance himself from Hanbury. While the article did not mention an affair, subsequent social media and online gossip platforms discussed the possibility.
Despite palace threats of legal action, the rumors resurfaced in 2022 when a popular celebrity gossip Instagram account published an anonymous submitter's claim of a royal affair that was an "open secret." William and the palace did not comment on the allegations, but Rose Hansbury vehemently denied the rumors and recently sent Colbert a legal notice as a warning.
Amidst the backlash, Colbert extended heartfelt well-wishes to Middleton, expressing hope for her swift and full recovery, "Though I'm sure they don't need it from me, I and everyone here at 'The Late Show' would like to extend our well-wishes and heartfelt hope that her recovery is swift and thorough."
He also maintained that joking about public figures is an acceptable aspect of late-night hosting, "We do a lot of shows, and I tell a lot of jokes, and I tell jokes about a lot of different things -- mostly what everybody's talking about. And for the last six weeks to two months, everybody has been talking about the mystery of Kate Middleton's disappearance from public life."
