The Interview that Never Happened

By Pepper Parr

June 3^rd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

There was what I thought a really good interview between Denzel Washington and Stephen Colbert on Facebook.

Described as “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” led to a heated on-air confrontation, resulting in the actor’s abrupt departure from the show.

The incident was sparked by Colbert’s probing questions, leading to a tense exchange between the two. The event was widely discussed on social media and in news outlets, with many supporting Washington’s stance and questioning Colbert’s interview style.

The interview that never happened.

Guess what – there was never an interview.  What viewers were looking at was something someone made up and posted to Facebook.

Facebook presentations now have advertisements sprinkled throughout.

Each time the interview is watched, the creator of the phony interview earns some income.  It at times runs into the tens of thousands.  Facebook gets fatter, the creator get richer and you get misled.

These “creators” earn a very decent income from these phony interviews.

Disinformation at its best.

When this sort of thing creeps into the political world or focuses on the celebrities, it makes for good gossip and good incomes.

But it is a serious disservice to the media and an informed public.