James Corden apologises after Weinstein jokes backfire
JAMES Corden has apologised for a series of jokes he made about Harvey Weinstein at a charity event on Saturday.
Weinstein has been fired from his own company and removed from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to extensive sexual harassment allegations dating back decades.
While hosting the annual amfAR (American Foundation for Aids Research) gala on Saturday, Corden attempted to joke about the allegations against Weinstein.
Opening his speech by saying the night was "beautiful," he then said: "It's so beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage."
When the audience were audibly unimpressed with the joke, Corden said: "I don't know if whether that groan was because you liked that joke or don't like that joke. If you don't like that joke, you should probably leave now."
He continued: "It's been weird this week watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath, it's weird," he said.
Many were unimpressed with Corden's jokes, taking to social media to condemn the UK comedian.
James Corden has benefitted from, and appears to have a friendship with, Weinstein. He chose to make jokes instead of publicly condemn him.
— Rossalyn Warren (@RossalynWarren) October 15, 2017
James Corden's jokes weren't 'too soon,' they should've never happened in the first place. Nor should they EVER. It's not a joke.
— lar (@highlara) October 14, 2017
On behalf of the UK no we do not want James Corden back, he is now yours America. Enjoy.
— Laura (@JustLaurahhh) October 15, 2017
If today is the day James Corden is exposed for being the talentless and unfunny sycophant that he is, then hurray.
— Manny Grillo (@MannyGrillo) October 15, 2017
I never liked James Corden because he's not funny. Now I don't like him because he's a smug, entitled misogynist. https://t.co/9yK3X4wAR3
— Becca Harrison (@BeccaEHarrison) October 15, 2017
Corden has apologised on Twitter, saying "sexual assault is no laughing matter".
To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter. I was not trying to make light of Harvey’s inexcusable behavior, (1/2)
— James Corden (@JKCorden) October 15, 2017
but to shame him, the abuser, not his victims. I am truly sorry for anyone offended, that was never my intention. (2/2)
— James Corden (@JKCorden) October 15, 2017
