CBS has agreed to cover the costs arising from the unauthorized use of the “Linus and Lucy” theme from the “Peanuts” soundtrack during the final episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” The episode aired on May 21, nearly a month after Colbert’s departure from the network’s late-night franchise.

The stunt occurred during Colbert’s sign-off segment, when his house band, led by Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine, played the “Peanuts” tune despite CBS not having secured the rights to the song, which was composed by Vince Guaraldi and is owned by Lee Mendelson Film Productions. Colbert had been commenting on recent lawsuits filed by the song’s copyright holders against the federal government and several companies over unauthorized use of the music when the band launched into the tune.

On-air, Colbert acknowledged the potential consequences of using the song without permission, joking, “Anyone illegally using that music is going to have to pay through the nose,” and expressing mock concern about CBS bearing any financial penalties. The network later confirmed it would pay an undisclosed amount in damages.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Lee Mendelson Film Productions said the proceeds from the settlement would be donated to World Central Kitchen, a humanitarian organization founded by chef José Andrés. Colbert had previously presented World Central Kitchen with a donation of nearly $2.5 million on the penultimate episode of his show.

Louis Cato explained that the show’s clearance team typically reviews musical selections to ensure proper licenses are in place. However, because the use of the “Peanuts” theme was part of a joke initiated by Colbert, the band proceeded without prior clearance. Cato also noted that the band adjusted the musical arrangement by substituting horn instrumentation for the original piano notes.

Jason Mendelson, chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions, described the broadcast moment as “funny and entertaining” and emphasized that their copyright enforcement efforts primarily aim to raise awareness about the necessity of obtaining written licenses for commercial uses of music.

CBS declined to comment on whether it planned to seek reimbursement from Colbert or his band members for the cost of the copyright infringement. Colbert’s late-night program was canceled last year by the network, with CBS citing financial considerations.

Colbert’s supporters have argued the cancellation was politically motivated, attributing it to his persistent criticism of former President Donald Trump. Speculation also arose in the context of a $111 billion merger involving Paramount Skydance, CBS’s parent company, and Warner Bros. Discovery, which received regulatory approval shortly before the settlement announcement.

A representative for Colbert did not respond to requests for comment regarding the network’s liability over the unauthorized music use.