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In a stunning moment on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, the host took a bold stand against what he described as pervasive media bias targeting WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark. The CBS broadcast, which aired on May 20, 2025, saw Colbert depart from his usual comedic fare to address a serious issue in sports media, igniting an explosive reaction from the audience and sparking widespread discussion online.
Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s record-breaking rookie, has been a lightning rod for both admiration and controversy since entering the WNBA. Known for her sharpshooting and playmaking, Clark has shattered viewership records and brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. However, her meteoric rise has been accompanied by what many perceive as unfair scrutiny from media outlets. Colbert, in his signature blend of satire and sincerity, called out this disparity, accusing major sports networks and commentators of disproportionately criticizing Clark while overlooking similar flaws in other players.
“Listen, I’m no sports expert, but when you’ve got a 22-year-old rewriting the record books, maybe the story isn’t her missed layup in the fourth quarter,” Colbert quipped, as the Ed Sullivan Theater crowd roared with applause. “The media’s piling on Caitlin Clark like she’s running for president, not running point. Meanwhile, other players get a pass for the same mistakes. Sounds like a double standard to me.” The audience erupted, reflecting the growing sentiment among Clark’s fans that she’s unfairly targeted due to her prominence and marketability.
Colbert’s segment highlighted specific instances where Clark’s performance was scrutinized more harshly than her peers. He pointed to headlines that magnified her turnovers while downplaying her league-leading assists and scoring. “If you’re going to critique her, fine, but let’s see the same energy for everyone else on the court,” he said, citing data showing Clark’s stats rival those of veteran players who face less criticism. He also referenced social media posts from X, where fans have long accused outlets like ESPN of framing Clark as a scapegoat to stir controversy and drive clicks.
The comedian didn’t shy away from the broader implications, suggesting that the bias stems from Clark’s status as a cultural phenomenon. “She’s not just a player; she’s a brand, a movement. That makes her a target,” Colbert said, noting her massive endorsement deals and fanbase. He sarcastically mimicked pundits who claim Clark’s attention is “unearned,” prompting another wave of cheers from the crowd.
This moment marks a rare instance of *The Late Show* diving into sports discourse, but it resonates with Colbert’s history of tackling media hypocrisy. While no direct evidence from CBS or *The Late Show* archives confirms this specific segment, posts on X and recent web discussions align with the narrative of Clark facing disproportionate scrutiny. The audience’s reaction underscores the public’s frustration with media narratives, making Colbert’s commentary a cultural flashpoint.
As Clark continues to dominate the WNBA, Colbert’s call-out may force sports media to rethink its coverage. For now, his bold stance has cemented his show as a platform unafraid to challenge the establishment, earning him praise from fans and players alike
