TORONTO — Comedy show The Colbert Report has stirred up controversy with a satirical tweet that appeared on the show’s official account Thursday.
“I am willing to show #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever,” read the tweet, which has since been deleted.
The joke sparked a #CancelColbert campaign on Twitter.
Early Friday, Colbert took to his personal Twitter account to distance himself from the tweet, insisting he doesn’t know who posted it.
“Just saw @ColbertReport tweet. I share your rage,” Colbert wrote. “Who is that, though?”
Some people weren’t buying it.
“It bears your name and represents your show. The attempt at distancing is weak,” tweeted one person.
Explanations also appeared on the official Twitter account for The Colbert Report.
“For the record @ColbertReport is not controlled by Stephen Colbert or his show. He is @StephenAtHome Sorry for the confusion,” read one.
Another claimed: “This is a Comedy Central account, with no oversight from Stephen/show. Here is quoted line in context.”
It linked to a segment from Wednesday’s show that puts the joke in context. Colbert was poking fun at Washington Redkins owner Dan Snyder’s plans for the Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation.
“Ching-Chong Ding-Dong” has been a recurring Asian caricature on The Colbert Report for several seasons.
The #CancelColbert was trending early Friday on Twitter — but not because everyone supports the campaign.
“Stupid people make me angry,” tweeted Brad Fitzgerald. “Satire is meant to highlight ignorance, but when you take it seriously, you just look stupid.”
Here are some of the other reactions to the #CancelColbert campaign:
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