Recap of James Corden’s Most Notable Controversies Before He Exits the ‘Late Late Show’
James Corden is all packed up to say goodbye to the “Late Late Show.” Before he signs off, let’s take a deep dive into James Corden’s most memorable controversies.
James Corden, a British entertainer, arrived in the US in 2015. He is the beloved lead actor of the popular BBC comedy TV show “Gavin & Stacey.” Then he started appearing in Hollywood movies and building friendships with some of the A-listers.
After 8 years of hosting The Late Late Show, Corden is now signing off. Don’t fret, as his last series of shows is star-studded. He had a last Carpool Karaoke with Adele. His last show on Thursday, Apr.27, will feature an array of lined-up guests.
What controversies have James Corden been involved in?
His time behind the desk has some eyebrow-raising moments, from accusations of sealed jokes to off-color quips.
James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke has ended after 8 years. pic.twitter.com/7ORFsjQ8QV
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 24, 2023
2010: Patrick Stewart clash at the Glamour Awards
This incident is when X-men actor Patrick Stewart called out the popular TV host regarding his casual attitude on stage. Stewart took issue with Corden’s gesture of placing his hands inside his pockets.
To Stewart, it appears as if the TV host was not interested in the award. The British host was quick to defend himself. He told Stewart to “get on with it” when presenting the award.
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The argument progresses as Stewart starts making jabs at Corden’s weight. Despite the insults, he didn’t back down and fired back with his quips.
2017: Harvey Weinstein’s “offensive” Jokes at the AmfAR Gala
The Late Late Show host found himself in hot water when he joked about Weinstein at the AmfAR Gala, an HIV/Aids fundraiser in Los Angeles.
The comedian joked that Weinstein had requested someone for a massage that night. He followed by saying that it was a “weird week watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath.”
The backlash from personalities like Rose McGowan and Anthony Bourdain poured in after his comments. Corden then apologized for his jokes.
He cleared that he was trying to shame the abuser and not the victims of sexual assault. Despite his apologies, the incident is still controversial in his career.
2022: New York’s Balthazar Restaurant Scandal
Last year, Keith McNally, the restaurant’s owner, took to Instagram to complain about Corden’s alleged mistreatment of their staff. He said that the host was “the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers since the restaurant opened 25 years ago.”
The owner banned the comedian from his restaurant, but he lifted it. He said that Corden had “apologized profusely” and that he was forgiving him.
Furthermore, the host also addressed the scandal on his talk show. He admitted to his “rude rude comment” to a server and acknowledged that it was “ungracious” and “unnecessary.”
2022: Allegations of Joke-stealing
Last year, the TV host was accused of stealing a stand-up joke from Ricky Gervais that he used on The Late Late Show. The joke was about Twitter and Elon Musk.
It was almost similar to Gervais’ joke in his 2018 special, ‘Ricky Gervais: Humanity.’ Gervais called out their jokes’ similarities and then deleted his tweet.
Corden later replied to the allegations on his show’s Twitter page. He claimed that he negligently told the joke without realizing it was Gervais’ joke. Corden even encouraged his viewers to support and watch Gervais’ comedy specials on Netflix.
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Who Will Replace James Corden?
The Late Late Show will bid farewell and air its final episode on April 27. CBS announced that the comedic game show “@midnight” by Stephen Colbert would replace Corden’s show in the 12:30 a.m. slot.
Colbert, one of the executive producers and host of The Late Late Show, would have an additional hour of the late-night show on CBS.
This will add up to other shows such as the Comedy Central series Tooning Out the News and Hell of a Week with Charlemagne Tha God, which he also exec produce.
It seems that another host won’t directly replace Corden, but an entirely different show will take over The Late Late Show’s place.
