Audience Watched Stephen Colbert Learn Kimmel News During Wednesday Taping

According to those in attendance for the taping last night at the Ed Sullivan Theater, Colbert was handed a phone near the close of the show and appeared visibly shaken as he read the update. He paused for several moments before raising his hand to his mouth in disbelief.

Production halted for roughly five minutes after Colbert excused himself to gather additional information backstage.

When he returned, Colbert told the audience he did not yet have clarity on the situation and would address it on Thursday night’s show. He then taped the show’s closing segment before quickly exiting the stage.

The announcement was said to have abruptly shifted the tone of what had been a light, energetic taping.