A taping of a Colbert Report segment on Tuesday turned into chaos... and it will most likely never make it to air. Stephen Colbert was interviewing Sir Richard Branson when the billionaire decided to empty his mug of water on Colbert's head. According to a member of the studio audience:

"I haven't posted a recap anywhere else, but I'll spill it here first. Branson was apparently upset that he wasn't able to give a direct plug to the new Virgin service and doused Colbert with his guest mug of water. Stephen was DRENCHED. He took a beat, then signalled for his own "ammunition" for about twenty seconds until Alison (Silverman) ran and gave him her bottle of water, and Stephen retaliated. The two of them sat for a VERY uncomfortable second looking like two wet cats. Then Stephen thanked him for coming. I really don't think it was planned, since Stephen had another bit to introduce (the American Samoa Better Know a Protectorate) and a full interview left to do. They had to get him a new jacket and even broke out a blowdryer. Everyone in the crew had a "WTF?" reaction."

This was confirmed by another of Colbert's guests that night, author Ian Bogost. Branson was appearing on the Colbert report to announce Virgin America's new "Air Colbert" jet.

Video, anyone?

— Neal Ungerleider

Update: The episode will make it to TV after all.