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Colbert Joke Sparks Outrage Over Diddy Allegations

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 12:18 GMT by TheWrap

New York, NY - January 9th, 2026 - A joke made by Stephen Colbert on Monday's episode of The Late Show is igniting a firestorm of controversy, prompting widespread criticism and a call for greater responsibility in late-night comedy. The joke, referencing allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs by plaintiff Renee Gooding, centered on Gooding's claim that Combs pressured her into marijuana use, leading to an alleged addiction. Comedian Claudia Oshry, host of The Claudia Oshry Podcast, has publicly denounced the joke as deeply insensitive and a potential "alarm bell" for the industry.

Oshry, known online as @girlwithnojob, articulated her concerns on her podcast, explaining that the humor minimized the potential trauma experienced by a survivor of alleged sexual assault. "He joked about how she's now addicted to weed. It's a really messed up joke," Oshry stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "This is not a joke. This is a woman who is accusing a powerful man of sexual assault, and you are making light of her trauma. It's just really irresponsible."

The specifics of Colbert's joke, as reported widely across social media, revolved around Gooding's lawsuit against Combs, framing the alleged forced ingestion of marijuana and resulting addiction as punchline material. The phrase "I guess that's how he rolls" was particularly singled out for its perceived flippancy.

Almost immediately, social media platforms erupted with criticism. The hashtag #CancelColbert trended for several hours, alongside calls for a public apology. While some users acknowledged the inherent boundary-pushing nature of late-night comedy, many argued that the joke crossed a clear line, particularly given the serious allegations at the heart of the case. The accusations against Diddy, which have been mounting over the past several months, include multiple claims of sexual assault and abuse, making the context of Colbert's joke particularly sensitive.

Oshry's critique extends beyond a single joke, however. She positions the incident as symptomatic of a larger problem within late-night television. "Late night hosts often push boundaries, but there are certain lines that should not be crossed," she asserted. "This was one of those lines." She suggests the industry needs a serious internal conversation about the limits of comedic license when dealing with topics as sensitive as sexual assault and trauma.

The issue, experts say, isn't simply if a joke is funny, but how it's delivered and the potential impact it has on a broader cultural conversation. Humor, when used irresponsibly, can inadvertently reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of victim-blaming. Oshry powerfully argues that making fun of a survivor, even indirectly, sends a dangerous message - that their experience is open for ridicule. This can discourage other survivors from coming forward and further marginalize those who have already experienced trauma.

As of today, January 9th, 2026, Colbert has remained silent on the controversy. His lack of response has further fueled the debate, with many interpreting it as a sign of disregard for the concerns raised. Whether he will address the backlash remains to be seen, but Oshry predicts lasting repercussions, not only for Colbert himself but for the entire landscape of late-night comedy. The incident is forcing a re-evaluation of what is considered acceptable humor and the responsibility of comedians to be mindful of the impact their jokes can have on sensitive issues. The conversation highlights the increasingly complex relationship between comedy, social responsibility, and the ongoing #MeToo movement.