In a candid and emotional interview, Stephen Colbert has shocked audiences by revealing that he’s seriously considering leaving the United States following his abrupt dismissal from CBS’s The Late Show. Reflecting on similar experiences faced by fellow outspoken celebrities Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, Colbert stated: “Now I understand why Rosie and Ellen left. Sometimes, you just have to get out.”

Stephen Colbert Considers Leaving U.S. After CBS Firing, Citing Similar Experiences of Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres

In an emotional and revealing interview this week, legendary late-night television host Stephen Colbert opened up about his shocking dismissal from CBS and confessed he is seriously considering leaving the United States. Colbert, whose incisive political humor defined nearly a decade of “The Late Show,” remarked, “Now I understand why Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres left. Sometimes, you just have to get out.”

His comments sparked immediate shockwaves, rekindling discussions about the increasing pressures outspoken celebrities face in the modern American media landscape.

The Sudden Fall from Grace

The abrupt announcement came from CBS on July 24, 2025, that Colbert would be departing “The Late Show,” effective immediately. Officially, the network attributed the separation to “creative differences” and a desire for a new direction. But insiders paint a darker, more troubling picture.

“He was under constant scrutiny,” one producer anonymously revealed. “Every monologue, every joke was dissected by executives. It felt like they were looking for an excuse.”

Indeed, Colbert’s departure followed controversial segments targeting both major political parties, the Supreme Court, and especially corporate influence in politics. Many insiders suspect the breaking point was a segment aired July 18 that fiercely criticized restrictive new laws limiting protest rights in multiple states.

“It’s Not Just About Me”

Drawing parallels to fellow outspoken celebrities Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, who relocated abroad after similar conflicts, Colbert expressed newfound empathy.

“Rosie and Ellen saw the writing on the wall,” he explained. “When you challenge power openly, there’s always a price. I used to think I could handle it, but now I see clearly why they chose to leave.”

O’Donnell famously moved to Canada in 2018 after multiple public battles with media executives and political figures. DeGeneres, who departed for Australia in 2022, had cited an increasingly “toxic environment for dissent” in America as a key motivation for her relocation.

Colbert’s acknowledgment suggests a disturbing pattern where prominent critics increasingly feel alienated, no longer secure even within their own country.

The Chilling Effect

Media analysts warn that Colbert’s removal signals a dangerous shift. Dr. Laura Mendes, professor of media studies at NYU, described it as “a chilling moment for late-night TV and political satire.”

“When the most prominent voices of criticism and satire are sidelined or forced out, it sends a powerful message: criticize carefully, or you’re next,” Mendes explained.

She highlights growing intolerance from advertisers, political entities, and corporate interests that increasingly prioritize control over open criticism. “It’s not merely ratings now,” she said. “It’s a fight over who gets to speak.”

Behind the Scenes: Silencing Dissent

Former staff at “The Late Show” describe a shift toward self-censorship, driven by fear and anxiety. A former writer admitted, “We used to say if you weren’t making someone angry, you weren’t doing your job. But lately, jokes were getting cut. We were explicitly told to ‘tone it down,’ and avoid controversial topics.”

Colbert himself detailed the personal toll: “I’ve lost friends, sleep, and now my platform,” he shared candidly. “But I refuse to lose my voice.” His contemplation of leaving America isn’t just about personal comfort—it’s born of profound disillusionment.

“I love this country,” Colbert continued, visibly moved. “I want to believe in it. But when truth-telling becomes a liability, you must ask yourself: what am I staying for?”

Industry Reaction

Entertainment figures reacted swiftly. Comedian Samantha Bee tweeted in frustration, “If Colbert is too much for CBS, what hope is there for the rest of us?” Jimmy Kimmel called the firing “a dark day for comedy—and democracy itself.”

CBS, meanwhile, insists the decision was “purely professional,” reiterating a commitment to diverse perspectives. However, critics remain skeptical. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay called it plainly: “This is about silencing dissent, ensuring only certain voices are heard.”

Colbert’s Next Chapter

Colbert hasn’t finalized his decision but confirmed he is actively exploring relocation. “I’m speaking to friends in Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland,” he said. “I need somewhere I can speak freely without fear.”

He hinted at potential independent ventures online, free from traditional network constraints. “The internet still offers spaces for freedom,” he noted. “Maybe it’s time to build something new.”

Regardless of his next steps, Colbert’s exit signals the end of an era, casting urgent questions over satire, dissent, and freedom of speech in America.

Colbert himself summarized the urgency best: “If only those who say nothing are allowed to speak, then we’re all in trouble.”