Duolingo grabbed attention on February 11 by “eliminating” its cherished owl mascot, Duo, as part of a daring marketing initiative. The company even went ahead and offered **Duo-sized coffins** and **deceased Duo enamel pins** to commemorate the occasion. However, the pressing question still stands—who is to blame for Duo’s end?

Stephen Colbert delved into this enigma on *The Late Show* during his “Meanwhile” segment, which focuses on amusing news items.

“Duolingo has declared the passing of their mascot, Duo the owl,” Colbert stated. “And they’re attributing it to *you*. You and your so-called dedication to mastering Spanish. Oh, you vowed to complete one lesson every day, and yet here we find ourselves, gazing at the decomposing body of a cartoon owl. *Espero que seas feliz* (I hope you’re happy).”

Whether or not users harbor feelings of guilt, one thing is evident—Duolingo’s marketing team executed a brilliantly dark campaign.