"The Colbert Report" received backlash for a "racist" tweet posted Thursday on the official Comedy Central account that promotes the show. Some felt the now-deleted tweet went too far in poking fun at Asian stereotypes, the hashtag #CancelColbert quickly taking the micro-blogging site by storm.
"I'm willing to show the #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever," the tweet read.
"The Colbert Report" host denied posting the tweet, saying he was unsure who did, USA Today reported.
"For the record @ColbertReport is not controlled by Stephen Colbert or his show. He is @StephenAtHome Sorry for the confusion #CancelColbert," came a tweet from the show's Twitter account.
The message, posted March 27 at 4:02 p.m., was based on Colbert's Wednesday night show. According to Entertainment Weekly, "Colbert was mocking Redskins owner Dan Snyder for responding to complaints about his team name by announcing a foundation to help Native Americans."
Twitter followers of "The Colbert Report" satirist took the comment very seriously.
"#CancelColbert because white liberals are just as complicit in making Asian Americans into punchlines and we aren't amused," wrote Suey Park, who started the frenzy.
Colbert was just as outraged by the post, tweeting early Friday morning from his personal account: "#CancelColbert - I agree! Just saw @ColbertReport tweet. I share your rage. Who is that, though? I'm @StephenAtHome."
On the defensive, Comedy Central officials clarified that the TV frontman had no part in the controversy.
"This is a Comedy Central account, with no oversight from Stephen/show," the @ColbertReport handle stated.
Colbert assumes an ultra-conservative person on his comedic show, which even he admits can be over the top.
"I do the show in character - and he's an idiot," Colbert said in an interview with The Telegraph. "He's willfully ignorant of everything we're going to talk about. Disabuse me of my ignorance. Don't let me put words in your mouth."
