James Corden apologized for his recent Harvey Weinstein jokes
When James Corden took to the podium as host at Friday’s amfAR Gala, attendees expected to laugh at the comedian’s set. But when Corden told several Harvey Weinstein jokes following the flood of celebrities coming forward with their personal assault stories, he received more groans from the audience than laughter.
In a video from the amfAR Gala tweeted out by Chris Gardener from The Hollywood Reporter, The Late Late Show host joked about Weinstein inviting women up to his hotel room to then pressure them into sexual acts.
"It has been weird this week though hasn’t it," Corden said, "watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath, it’s weird watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water."
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 comments received backlash from many social media users who felt that Corden’s jokes made light of the very real and traumatizing assault and harassment experiences of so many women, and Corden has since issued an apology.
"To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter," Corden began.
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
Corden’s apology started a debate and conversation among his friends and followers. One such follower noted that it’s less about what Corden intended with his joke and more about his “error in judgement.”
What matters isn't the intention, it's what you did. That sort of error of judgement is part of the problem and deserves no platform
— Ben Fletcher (@BenSFletcher) October 15, 2017
Meanwhile, actress Kristin Chenoweth came to Corden’s defense and pointed out that he did not shame the victims, but instead shamed Weinstein, the abuser.
I watched it and I did not feel you were shaming victims. You shamed The abuser. #justsayin
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) October 16, 2017
While we understand that Corden likely in no way intended to shame or diminish the victims’ experiences and very likely meant to make a pointed swing at Weinstein and his actions, it’s safe to say that the jokes missed their mark. However, we’re also glad that Corden addressed and clarified his comments, and we hope he uses this as a learning moment going forward.
