After a hail of backlash online, James Corden has apologised for a series of very on-the-nose jokes he made about Harvey Weinstein at a black tie gala in Los Angeles.
In case you missed the video that circulated on Twitter of the event in question – an AIDS research gala called amfAR – here it is:
Straight out gate, host @JKCorden with Harvey Weinstein jokes. Too soon? Some laughs, some groans #amfARLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/nx88w5UwUe
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) October 14, 2017
The set ignited a storm of backlash – including condemnation from Weinstein accusers Rose McGowan and Asia Argento – with people all over social media calling out the fact that this breezy treatment of serious allegations is a prime example of how Hollywood (and indeed all institutions) minimise claims of abuse within its ranks.
Corden took to Twitter to apologise. “To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter,” he wrote.
“I was not trying to make light of Harvey’s inexcusable behavior, but to shame him, the abuser, not his victims. I am truly sorry for anyone offended, that was never my intention.”
It’s pretty difficult to read that kind of noble intention into Corden’s original gags, but there you go.
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
Some have pointed out on Twitter that ‘behaviour’ is spelt without the ‘u’, suggesting that it’s probably a quick and tidy move by an American publicist. Corden himself is British.
