The Tweet That Triggered the #CancelColbert Backlash

Updated on 3/28/2014 at 12:25 PM

On Thursday, Twitter user The Colbert Report stirred up controversy with a joke that has since been deleted from the account. In a nod to Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who launched the Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation following debates over the team name, The Colbert Report tweeted, "I am willing to show the #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation For Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever." Although it's since been deleted, several Twitter users grabbed screenshots of the tweet, which quickly prompted backlash.

The quote was pulled from one of the show's parody segments, which you can watch on The Colbert Report's site. Here's more of what was said when he delivered the line:

"That's right, 'The Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation,' because 'Redskins' is not offensive if you only use it once in your name. And folks, the healing has already begun. The charity has distributed over 3,000 cold-weather coats to several tribes, and you can see how happy they are in their new gear. The foundation also assisted in the purchase of a new backhoe for the Omaha tribe. That's right: assisted. Because you can't expect a team worth $1.7 billion to pay for the entire backhoe. Those things cost thousands! To cover that price, they'd have to sell a beer and a soft pretzel.

Folks, this move by Dan Snyder inspires me because my show has frequently come under attack for having a so-called offensive mascot — my beloved character, Ching-Chong Ding-Dong . . . The point is, offensive or not — not — Ching-Chong is part of the unique heritage of the Colbert Nation that cannot change, but I am willing to show the Asian community that I care by introducing The Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation For Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever."

That night, Stephen took to Twitter to address the satirical nature of The Colbert Report, pointing out that he plays a character on a fake Comedy Central news show. Twitter user The Colbert Report also tweeted a clarification, saying that neither Stephen nor his show runs the Twitter account.

For the record @ColbertReport is not controlled by Stephen Colbert or his show. He is @StephenAtHome Sorry for the confusion #CancelColbert

— The Colbert Report (@ColbertReport) March 28, 2014

This is a Comedy Central account, with no oversight from Stephen/show. Here is quoted line in context http://t.co/UFnaFfOSpn #cancelcolbert

— The Colbert Report (@ColbertReport) March 28, 2014