Jasmine Crockett Says FCC 'Did Not Shut Down' James Talarico's Colbert Interview

The Texas lawmaker said there are "additional layers at play" as to why CBS didn't air her Democratic opponent's interview with Stephen Colbert.

AUSTIN, Texas ― Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) seemed to challenge the narrative surrounding CBS’s controversial decision not to air Stephen Colbert’s interview with her Senate Democratic primary opponent James Talarico.

“We did receive information suggesting the federal government did not shut down the segment,” Crockett told reporters on Tuesday, referring to Colbert’s interview with Talarico that was supposed to air on Monday.

Crockett said it appeared that CBS didn’t air the interview “because of a fear the FCC may say something to them, and that there may have been advice to just have me on, and then they can clear the issue. It is my understanding someone, somewhere, decided we just don’t want to do that.”

“Let me be clear. I don’t have love for the current FCC,” Crockett added. “I do think there are additional layers at play here.”

Colbert has accused his employer of caving to threats from the Federal Communications Commission by blocking his interview with Talarico that was set to air on Monday. He said CBS chose to abide by an equal time rule that hasn’t been previously used for late-night talk shows. He also noted that he’s had Crockett repeatedly on his show, though those appearances occurred prior to her announcing her campaign for the Senate.