Stephen Colbert has given an in-depth explanation of what, exactly, happened with Daft Punk's no-show on the "Colbert Report" last week.

In a lengthy conversation with comedian/"Daily Show" writer Paul Mercurio on Mercurio's podcast, Colbert laid out the play-by-play of the whole fiasco. In short: no, it was most definitely not a promotional stunt.

Listen to the podcast, above. Colbert discusses Daft Punk starting from 00:24.

Some highlights:

-- Daft Punk were never going to perform on the show or be interviewed. But they had agreed to appear and have some fun with Stephen.

-- MTV brought the hammer down at the very last minute, to the surprise of everyone, even Daft Punk's camp.

-- Robin Thicke is also performing at the VMAs, but MTV allowed him to appear on "Colbert". (His segment was, indeed, taped earlier.) So Colbert was very surprised that MTV allowed Thicke to appear, but not Daft Punk.

-- Colbert didn't get into any trouble from Viacom, MTV, Comedy Central, or Van Toffler. Comedy Central read the episode's script before it aired and approved it. He received only positive feedback from the network after the show as well.

-- All in all, Colbert personally thought the whole experience was fun and rewarding, a great challenge for a master improviser. But the "Stephen Colbert" he plays on the show had to act exasperated and aggrieved, in keeping with his character.

During the podcast, Colbert and Mercurio also discuss the beginnings of "The Colbert Report", as well as Colbert's time on "Strangers With Candy".

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