A headline proclaiming “I Don’t Debate Monsters. I Expose Them.” — Stephen Colbert’s On-Air Takedown Leaves Karoline Leavitt Shaken and Washington Reeling has been circulating widely online, specifically on the platform TodayOnUs. The article promises explosive content: a televised confrontation in which late-night host Stephen Colbert allegedly pulverizes political figure Karoline Leavitt with a savage quip that leaves Washington stunned.
However, there is no supporting evidence from recognized media outlets or video archives that such a confrontation ever occurred. Indeed, the prominent fact-checking site Snopes directly debunks the story, clarifying that the dramatic scenario never took place on Colbert’s show. Without a video clip or credible full-length transcript from a well-known source, this appears to be a fabrication—likely designed to provoke outrage, clicks, or political commentary.
Snopes Sets the Record Straight
Snopes examined this claim and found it to be false. The site specifically addresses similar sensational headlines—like “Karoline Leavitt fires back on Stephen Colbert’s show” or *“Karoline Leavitt shuts down Stephen Colbert”—*and confirms they are unfounded.
These types of viral stories often rely on emotionally charged language and the reputation of influential public figures to generate engagement—but without verification, they lack journalistic credibility.
Why It Matters: The Dangers of Misinformation
This isn’t just about one outrageous headline—there’s a larger problem at play. Sensationalist content like this plays on our worst fears and political divides. The phrase “I don’t debate monsters. I expose them.” is emotionally resonant, but in this context, it’s used as a rhetorical flourish to dramatize a non-event. Over time, unverified stories erode trust in media and can distort the public’s understanding of political discourse.
With people increasingly encountering information via social media or partisan platforms, discerning real reporting from fiction has become a crucial civic skill. Fact-checkers like Snopes fill an important role—yet these viral headlines continue to spread fast and wide, regardless of their accuracy.
Key Takeaways
There is no evidence—video, transcript, or credible media coverage—that Stephen Colbert ever engaged in a dramatic takedown of Karoline Leavitt on The Late Show.
The headline appears to be invented for sensational effect, with no verifiable basis.
Snopes explicitly debunks this claim.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in the digital era: sensational claims spread rapidly, often without fact-checking.
Final Advice
When encountering headlines that appear explosive or politically loaded, it’s best to:
Check for credible news sources (e.g. established broadcast networks, reputable newspapers, and fact-checking outlets).
Look for primary evidence—video clips, full transcripts, or at least statements from the show’s production team or official social media channels.
Be skeptical of click-bait headlines from lesser-known websites, especially when they lack sourcing.
As of now, there is no verified evidence that Stephen Colbert confronted Karoline Leavitt in the way there are screaming headlines suggest. The claim remains unverified and very likely false.