Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor in North Carolina, found himself at the center of a scandal this week after reports emerged about his alleged frequent visits to a local adult video store. According to the claims, Robinson was such a regular customer during the 1990s and early 2000s that staff members knew him by name—and still remember him decades later.
While a past like this might typically be brushed off, Robinson’s situation is unique due to his staunchly evangelical Christian platform, making the allegations particularly controversial. Despite denying the claims, the news caught the attention of comedian Stephen Colbert, who couldn’t resist addressing it in his monologue on Wednesday night.
“A local news outlet in North Carolina is reporting that Robinson was at a porn shop nearly every day of the week back in the ’90s and early 2000s,” Colbert quipped. “Of course, you have to go every day if you want the freshest stuff. It’s not like they’re refrigerating it.”
Colbert continued, expressing amazement at Robinson’s alleged dedication: “He went there almost every day for more than a decade. I don’t do anything that consistently. Robinson visited the porn shop more faithfully than I floss.”
The late-night host didn’t stop there, playfully mocking the content of Robinson’s supposed purchases: “Apparently, he wasn’t just window-shopping. Over the years, he bought hundreds of bootleg porn videos—classics like Armageddon Laid Tonight, Pulp Friction, and the timeless Sex Toy Story. And yes, the theme song is still ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me.’”
Colbert also took the opportunity to roast Robinson’s political stances, labeling him “a climate denier, a Holocaust denier,” and someone who longs for an America where “women couldn’t vote.” The segment ended with Colbert sarcastically adding, “It’s truly shocking Trump didn’t pick him as his VP.”
Other late-night hosts, including John Oliver, have also taken aim at Robinson, whose extreme right-wing platform has already made him a polarizing figure. As the scandal continues to develop, it raises questions about the impact on his campaign and whether his past will overshadow his bid for public office. With comedians and the media weighing in, Robinson faces an uphill battle to distance himself from the controversy while trying to maintain his evangelical base.