Gayle King Says She ‘Came This Close to Canceling’ Colbert Appearance After Charlie Rose Allegations

Gayle King Says She ‘Came This Close to Canceling’ Colbert Appearance After Charlie Rose Allegations

Just hours after her former co-host Charlie Rose was fired from CBS following accusations of sexual misconduct, Gayle King made a very difficult appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”

“I came this close to canceling… we booked this weeks ago,” King said on the CBS late-night show. “I was here to talk about ‘Oprah’s Favorite Things.’ Happy holidays!” she added with an ironic shrug.

“Which we are going to do,” Colbert stressed. “But this turned into a different day for you, the last 24 hours.”

Also Read: PBS, CBS, Bloomberg Cut Ties With Charlie Rose After Sexual Misconduct Accusations

He then praised King and the rest of the “CBS This Morning” team for covering the allegations against Rose “as news.”

“That’s what you have to do,” she said. “It still isn’t easy, it is still very painful and very hurtful. Charlie and I have worked together, been friends, but when you think about the anguish of those women — despite the friendship — you have to report the news.

“That’s why I wanted to cancel, because I didn’t want to be sitting here talking about this … but we are a top-notch broadcast operation. That’s why I thought it was important to be here,” King continued.

“I was wincing at your monologue though, Stephen,” she scolded.

Also Read: CBS Terminates Charlie Rose Over Sexual Misconduct Accusations

Earlier in the day, PBS ended its relationship with Rose after he was accused of sexual misconduct by eight different women. “PBS was shocked to learn today of these deeply disturbing allegations,” a spokesperson said in a statement to TheWrap.

CBS also announced it was firing Rose from his posts at “CBS This Morning” and “60 Minutes.”

Also Read: Rashida Jones Says John Lasseter Wasn't Why She Exited 'Toy Story 4'

Rose became the latest media icon to Be accused of sexual misconduct. The Washington Post published numerous accounts of unwanted groping, and at least one instance in which a woman accused him of exposing himself.

“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior,” Rose told the Post in a subsequent statement. “I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that. I have learned a great deal as a result of these events, and I hope others will too. All of us, including me, are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past, and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives.”

Watch a clip from the interview with King and Colbert below.

Related stories from TheWrap:

PBS, CBS, Bloomberg Cut Ties With Charlie Rose After Sexual Misconduct Accusations

CBS Terminates Charlie Rose Over Sexual Misconduct Accusations

Charlie Rose Denies 'Wrongdoings' Despite Apology for Past Conduct to Women