Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Stephen Colbert expresses regret for joining in on Kate Middleton conspiracy theory jokes

‘There is a standard that I try to hold myself to, and that is, I do not make light of somebody else’s tragedy,’ he said

Maira Butt
Wednesday 27 March 2024 08:34 GMT
Comments
Stephen Colbert apologises for Kate jokes made before cancer announcement

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Stephen Colbert has expressed regret for making jokes about Kate Middleton’s absence in the latest episode of his US talk show on Tuesday (26 March).

The presenter previously mocked the Princess of Wales’ disappearance and joined in with conspiracy theories surrounding her absence from public life before it was announced that the 42-year-old had been diagnosed with cancer.

Since the revelation, a number of famous faces have shown remorse for joking about her circumstances, including actor Blake Lively and journalist Owen Jones, with Kim Kardashian also being pressured to issue an apology.

Colbert, 59, said that he was aware he had “upset people” even before the diagnosis was announced.

“A lot of my jokes have upset people in the past and I’m sure some of my jokes will upset people in the future,” he said.

“But there is a standard that I try to hold myself to, and that is, I do not make light of somebody else’s tragedy.”

He went on to wish the Princess a swift 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 said.

The US talk show host wished the Princess a swift recovery
The US talk show host wished the Princess a swift recovery (CBS/BBC Studios)

In a previous episode of his talk show, Colbert had alluded to conspiracy theories surrounding Kate’s absence from the public and the photoshopping gaffe that escalated them.

Joking about the situation, he said: “To put this scandal to rest, the palace has released the original image of Princess Kate, skateboarding over a tiger.”

He had also featured a detailed segment on infidelity rumours surrounding Prince William.

The comedian shared a photoshopped image of the Princess skateboarding over a tiger
The comedian shared a photoshopped image of the Princess skateboarding over a tiger (CBS/ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

In his apology, the presenter appeared to defend himself for covering an issue that “everybody’s talking about”.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

He said: “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.”

Colbert is one of a several celebrities who shared rumours and conspiracy theories concerning Kate’s absence, with many issuing apologies following her cancer announcement.

Gossip Girl star Blake Lively was one of the first to say sorry, referring to a since-deleted post that seemingly poked fun at the edited picture Kate had posted for Mother’s Day.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in