Stephen Colbert Defies CBS Request, Discusses Kristen Stewart’s Controversial Rolling Stone Cover
Apr
Stephen Colbert discussed the controversy surrounding Kristen Stewart’s recent Rolling Stone cover during her appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” Colbert revealed that CBS had asked him not to show the cover on the show, but he defied their request and displayed it to the audience.
Colbert expressed his support for the cover, describing it as “perfectly lovely.” However, he questioned why CBS objected to showing it. Stewart responded by pointing out the double standard in society’s treatment of female sexuality, noting that similar images of male sexuality are often accepted without controversy.
Despite the criticism, Stewart defended the cover, stating that it was not explicit and did not violate public expectations of female sexuality. She emphasized the importance of female sexuality being portrayed as having its own agency, rather than simply existing for the pleasure of others.
Colbert and Stewart both agreed that the negative reaction to the cover stemmed from sexist and homophobic attitudes. Stewart concluded her remarks with a defiant message to those critics, saying, “But fuck you.”
Stewart’s Rolling Stone cover coincided with the release of her film “Love Lies Bleeding” on March 8. Variety has reached out to CBS for comment on the situation.
