A playful imitation gone wrong turned into a months-long rift between Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert after Colbert’s mockery of Noah’s South African accent at a New York event left tensions high, sparking outrage online and forcing both comedians to quietly step back from their once-friendly relationship.

The world of late-night comedy, usually full of laughter and lighthearted teasing, has found itself at the center of a surprising storm.

According to multiple insiders and viral social media chatter, former Daily Show host Trevor Noah and Late Show anchor Stephen Colbert have reportedly been caught in a behind-the-scenes feud sparked by something as unexpected as an English accent.

The alleged tension began during a private industry event in New York last spring, where both hosts were scheduled to appear on a panel celebrating the “Global Impact of Political Comedy.

” Sources close to the production claim that what started as friendly banter quickly turned awkward when Colbert began mimicking Noah’s South African accent—a move that, while seemingly playful, didn’t land as intended.

“Stephen thought he was being funny, but Trevor’s smile dropped instantly,” said one attendee who witnessed the exchange.

“It was that kind of laugh where you can tell someone’s trying to hide being offended.”

After the event, several crew members noted that Noah appeared withdrawn, avoiding Colbert during the group dinner that followed.

What might have been dismissed as a misunderstanding escalated when someone in the room recorded snippets of the conversation and posted them online.

Within hours, Twitter erupted under the hashtag #AccentGate, with fans fiercely debating whether Colbert’s impression crossed the line into mockery.

Supporters of Noah rushed to his defense, accusing Colbert of cultural insensitivity.

One viral tweet read, “Imagine mocking a man’s heritage in front of a crowd and thinking it’s comedy.

” Others, however, argued that Colbert had no ill intent, calling the backlash an overreaction typical of social media outrage.

“They’re comedians—they roast everyone,” one fan posted.

“Trevor knows that better than anyone.”

Behind closed doors, though, things reportedly grew colder between the two.

For months after the incident, the pair avoided each other at industry gatherings and declined joint appearances, even when their publicists tried to smooth things over.

“It wasn’t an explosive falling-out,” said one network insider.

“It was more like a quiet freeze.

Both men are proud, and neither wanted to be the first to reach out.”

Colbert, known for his sharp satire and dry humor, has often walked the fine line between wit and controversy.

Meanwhile, Noah—who built his career blending comedy with cultural perspective—has been vocal about how accent-based jokes can feel personal.

In a past interview, Noah once said, “People think they’re laughing at your voice, but really, they’re laughing at your identity.”

That quote resurfaced this week as fans speculated whether his old remarks were aimed at Colbert.

Adding fuel to the fire, Noah appeared to subtly address the situation during a recent podcast interview when he mentioned, “Sometimes people forget that not all jokes travel the same way across borders—or hearts.

” Though he didn’t name Colbert directly, the internet connected the dots instantly.

By midweek, the tension had turned into full-blown entertainment news fodder.

Late-night fans began choosing sides, and even fellow comedians weighed in.

“You’d think the biggest late-night drama would be about ratings, not accents,” one joked on X.

Neither Colbert nor Noah has issued an official statement, though a CBS representative briefly commented that “Stephen values his friendships in comedy and regrets any misunderstanding that may have occurred.

” As for Noah, sources close to him say the South African-born host has “moved on,” but the relationship remains “cordial, not close.”

The incident has reignited broader conversations about humor, identity, and where comedians should draw the line when the punchline hits too close to home.

While both men continue to maintain successful careers, fans can’t help but wonder if their once-friendly on-screen rapport will ever return.

For now, the laughter between Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert seems to have gone silent—proving once again that even in comedy, timing isn’t everything.

Sometimes, it’s tone.