Jon Batiste is speaking out following CBS’ decision to end The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in 2026.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, the Grammy-winning musician and former Late Show bandleader called the move “a symptom of big money,” warning about the impact of corporate decisions on free speech.

“We’re in a time where the right price can silence the voice of free speech, which we should be very, very conscious of,” said Batiste, who led the show’s house band from 2015 to 2022. “As artists, we have to constantly fight for free speech and fight for the ability to be able to share the authentic truth of our being.”

CBS announced last month that the show would end next year, citing financial reasons. However, the decision has stirred controversy and drawn criticism from sev

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