Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy weighed in on the firing of Stephen Colbert from CBS’ The Late Show, pushing back against claims of political retaliation and defending the decision as a matter of business, not ideology.
In a video rant posted online, Portnoy mocked liberal lawmakers and pundits for turning Colbert’s termination into a political controversy.
“So I run a media company, obviously, Barstool. So this kind of hit home with me,” he began.
Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?
Portnoy pointed to recent commentary from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who have raised concerns about Colbert’s departure.
“I’m seeing like Bernie Sanders, comrade Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, all being like, we need an investigation. This is bribery, this [is] blackmail,” he said. “CBS only fired Colbert because he criticizes Trump, and they just settled a $16 million lawsuit.”
Portnoy dismissed the idea that Colbert’s criticism of President Donald Trump was the reason for his removal. Instead, he pointed to financial performance.
“Colbert makes $16 million a year. The Late Show with Colbert loses 40 to $50 million a year. They have a staff of 200 people,” he said.
“Late Night ratings are down across the board.”
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
While acknowledging that Colbert still led among legacy late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, Portnoy noted that viewership in that entire category continues to decline.
He contrasted Colbert’s production model with Barstool’s leaner operation.
“We have 200 people at Barstool, content creators creating like, 30 shows, and some of them, the bigger ones, draw a bigger audience than Colbert,” he said.
Portnoy also took issue with Colbert’s on-air remarks in the wake of CBS settling a $16 million lawsuit with President Trump.
“Then you compound that with Colbert openly going on air, being like, ‘I don’t trust CBS. This relationship can never be repaired. I can’t believe they bowed or paid that lawsuit to Trump,’” he said.
“If one of my employees, who I was paying $16 million a year while losing $40 million a year, went on their show [and said], ‘I don’t like Dave. I don’t trust Dave,’ you know what I would do? Like, welcome to the real fucking world,” Portnoy added.
He made clear his remarks weren’t based on any personal fondness for Colbert.
“Yeah, Trump’s happy, and this isn’t about his politics. I don’t love Colbert. I don’t think he’s funny. I thought he’s funny when he’s on Comedy Central. I haven’t liked him on his Daily Show,” Portnoy said.
Portnoy argued the firing was a matter of basic business sense.
“Buddy, you’re losing $40 million a year, and then you have the arrogance to go hammer your own company. What do you think was going to happen? Of course, they fire [you]. I’d fire you in a fucking heartbeat. That’s not politics, that’s just being ungrateful and see you later,” he said.
To wrap up, Portnoy had a blunt message for lawmakers suggesting Colbert was wrongfully terminated: “So Elizabeth Warren, comrade Bernie, like just zip it. This is called capitalism. In the real world, you’re losing 40 mil a year. You better shut up and be a good soldier, and thank your lucky stars you still have a job.”
WATCH:
Reaction to Stephen Colbert getting fired by CBS. It takes a special type of arrogance to be making 16 million, losing 40 million and publicly bash the people paying your bills. pic.twitter.com/7B40OxzFmP
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) July 19, 2025
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
