Twitter users aimed to get the hashtag #CancelColbert trending on Thursday night after the official Twitter account for “The Colbert Report” posted a joke about Asian stereotypes out of context.
The now-deleted tweet read “I am willing to show #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever.”
That was a quote taken directly from a segment on Wednesday’s show that lampooned Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who announced he created the Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation to aid Native American tribes while ignoring calls to change the football team’s much-maligned name.
For context, here’s how the “Ching-Chong Ding-Dong” reference came up in Wednesday’s segment:
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’m willing to show the Asian community that I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitive to Orientals or Whatever.
Some Twitter users, including conservative pundit Michelle Malkin, took offense to the tweet.
Co-sign! RT @suey_park I’m sick of liberals hiding behind assumed “progressiveness” #CancelColbert
— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) March 28, 2014
Colbert then addressed the firestorm from his personal Twitter account, and the official “The Colbert Report” account later clarified that Comedy Central, not Colbert or anyone who works for his show, managed that account.
#CancelColbert – I agree! Just saw @ColbertReport tweet. I share your rage.
Who is that, though? I'm @StephenAtHome
http://t.co/e0Pqz7U7i9
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) March 28, 2014
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
Watch the original segment below, courtesy of Comedy Central, around the 4:50 mark:
This post has been updated.
