Stephen Colbert's Harvard talk disrupted by fire alarm after graduate student union strike
Stephen Colbert's Harvard talk disrupted by fire alarm after graduate student union strike
Demetria Osei-Tutu Sun, November 8, 2026 at 4:59 AM UTC
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A conversation featuring Stephen Colbert at Harvard was abruptly interrupted by a union demonstration and a fire alarm.
The 62-year-old former late-night television host was taking part in a discussion for Arts for Life's Sake, which was part of the 50th-anniversary commemoration of Harvard's Learning from Performers program on Thursday, November 5. Stephen appeared alongside 71-year-old cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Cambridge Day reported that striking graduate students could be heard outside while the pair fielded questions from attendees. Members of the Harvard Graduate Student Union were demonstrating outside the Sanders Theater event, calling on the Ivy League university to enter negotiations with them. At approximately 7:35 pm, the fire alarm sounded after Stephen and Yo-Yo had responded to three questions.
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The alarm's activation brought the discussion to a halt as attendees were required to evacuate the building. When firefighters arrived, the crowd was dismissed home.
Yo-Yo Ma was also apart of the event with the former late-night host (Image: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images)
Assistant Fire Chief Scott Volz confirmed to the outlet via email, "The fire department investigated the alarm, found no reason for the alarm activation, the alarm system was checked and reset by Harvard staff, and the Fire Department cleared."
The graduate students union issued a statement denying any involvement with the fire alarm incident. Their statement to the outlet read in part, "The alarm was unrelated to HGSU's picketing activity and we have no knowledge of its cause. Members at the picket were relieved to learn that no one inside was at risk."
The Harvard Graduate Student Union represents student workers across every school, campus, and department at Harvard University, reports the Mirror US.
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Harvard Graduate Student Union protested outside the event with Stephen and Yo-Yo (Image: Rick Friedman / AFP via Getty Images)
The union's website states the organization "fights for better benefits, pay and working conditions" for its thousands of workers.
Harvard students launched their second walkout of the year on October 27 following unsuccessful negotiations with university administrators. Their requests encompass third-party investigations for students filing harassment and discrimination complaints, equitable compensation, along with benefits and safeguards for non-citizen workers.
This latest walkout follows approximately five months after the union concluded a 40-day work stoppage amid shifting negotiations, despite the absence of a finalized contract.
Before Thursday's scheduled talk, the union requested that Stephen and Yo-Yo cancel their appearance in support of the striking workers.
Initial reports suggested Harvard might postpone the event, but an attendee obtained correspondence from the Harvard Box Office confirming the event would not be rescheduled.
The Mirror US contacted Stephen Colbert, Yo-Yo Ma, and Harvard's representatives for comment.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
