On Tuesday’s episode of “The Late Show,” Stephen Colbert poked fun at the unusual (and absurd, responsibility-dodging) excuse that one of the Capitol insurrectionists used as a defense in court — with a parody pharmaceutical ad offering a cure for “Foxitis,” or Fox News brainwashing.
The term “Foxitis” comes from Anthony Antonio, one of the insurrectionists who attempted to overthrow the government as part of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection incited by Donald Trump. Antonio is one of hundreds of participants now facing legal problems stemming from their alleged treasonous behavior, and is charged with five federal crimes. He didn’t deny that he participated in what was a literal attempted coup seeking to nullify a fair election and effectively end America’s system of government. Instead, he tried to blame hours and hours of Fox News consumption for warping his political views, something his lawyer called “Foxitis.”
So now that you’re caught up on that nonsense, back to “The Late Show,” which kicked off with a fake commercial hawking the cure for the “disease.” (Spoiler: The cure is to stop watching Fox News.)
“Are you or a loved one suffering from Foxitis, a serious medical condition affecting many older Americans, and people who are hoarding canned goods in their shed?” the fake ad begins.
Then it listed possible symptoms, all of which were puns on the names of Fox News’ roster of right wing commentators.
“Symptoms of Foxitis may include: Irritable Gutfeld, Bartiromononucleosis, Swollen Ainsley, Blood in your Doocy, Ingraham toenail, Jeanine Pirrohoids, Tucker Carcinoma, Kayleigh Mcanalcyst and Seanital Warts,” the ad continued. That last one was pronounced “Shawn-ital,” in case you’re curious.
Finally, it got to the point: “Thankfully, there is a cure. Introducing ‘Off.’ From the makers of ‘Mute,’ and ‘Change the Channel.’”
Watch the whole thing below:
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