Watch Stephen Colbert's lovely, wry tribute to Paris on The Late Show

Stephen Colbert delivers a touching tribute to the people of Paris

(Image credit: Late Show)

last updated 17 November 2015

Stephen Colbert kicked off Monday night's Late Show a little differently, with a very specific musical introduction from his house band, Jon Batiste & Stay Human:

After the French national anthem, Colbert got down to the serious business of addressing a horrible terrorist attack — on a late-night comedy show. "New York is a city that sadly knows too well the horror the French experienced on Friday," he began. "And we also know there are no words that can reach the depths of their grief and their shock. But we stand with the people of France as a friend and an ally, and offer the hope that there is a way through the unspeakable tragedy." Then he started in with the jokes, sometimes silly (think French fries) and sometimes defiant (Lady Liberty waving the middle finger).

But there is no wrong way to show your support for the people of Paris, Colbert said, noting that some Twitter users said they were watching the American film Ratatouille in honor of France. "Watching a cartoon Parisian rat make soup is certainly as valid as anything I'll say tonight, I promise you that," he said. "If it makes you feel a connection to the people of Paris, go drink a bottle of Bordeaux, eat a croissant at Au Bon Pain, slap on a beret, and smoke a cigarette.... Anything that is an attempt at a human connection in the world right now is positive." Colbert had one last parting shot at the Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for Friday's terrorist attack. He said The Late Show had considered canceling the Amazing Acro-Cats for Monday's show, but ISIS would hate adorable acrobatic kittens. "In fact," Colbert said, "the only thing they have in common with ISIS is they're a bunch of pussies." Watch below. Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.