The tweet in question was intended to tie in to Wednesday night's episode of The Colbert Report in which they discussed the hypocrisy of the Washington Redskin's owner Dan Snyder, who responded to criticism by creating a foundation to help provide more opportunities for "Original Americans."
But without room to adequately reference that announcement in a satirical way per usual of the program, the words alone came across as simply racist. Thus an outburst of negative responses from the show's Twitter followers:
#CancelColbert because racism disguised as satire is unacceptable. @StephenAtHome @ColbertReport
— Cullen (@RadiCullen) March 28, 2014#CancelColbert because these "jokes" once justified exclusionary acts, internment camps, atom bombs, napalm, and the murder of Vincent Chin.
— Bhaswati Chattopadhy (@BhaswatiChat) March 28, 2014stop saying "it was a joke" as if a joke can't be harmful. yeah, it *was* a joke. *and* it's harmful.
— Black Girl Dangerous (@BlackGirlDanger) March 28, 2014
The Twitter account later Thursday night clarified:
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#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