British comedian and US chat show host James Corden has received a barrage of criticism and condemnation after delivering a series of ‘rape jokes’ at a charity event in Los Angeles.
During an amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) charity gala , Corden joked: “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.”
The joke was preceded by: “It’s a beautiful night here in LA. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage.”
Corden’s gags about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein – who is facing rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment claims – appeared to fall flat as audience members weren’t sure whether to laugh or groan.
https://twitter.com/chrissgardner/status/919031962546847744
There was an immediate backlash after footage of The Late Late Show host’s comments was circulated online.
Actress Rose McGowan – who on Thursday publicly accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her – angrily responded to Corden’s routine, calling him a “motherfucking piglet” and harshly criticising audience members who found his jokes funny:
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/919525588796284930
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/919527395157204993
McGowan is one of over 30 women who’ve come forward since the New York Times revealed sexual harassment, rape allegations and subsequent pay-off claims against Weinstein, which reportedly go back decades.
Following Corden’s ill-conceived comments, social media has lit up with responses questioning the appropriateness of his material, in light of recent events:
What utter bullshit. Plenty of decent comedians don’t make fun of suffering. Sexual assault is not a punchline.
— S. Lee (@sootandsnide) October 15, 2017
Imagine sitting in an exclusive event and fuckin *James Corden* telling you ‘if you don’t like my rape jokes leave now’
— MAREcus 🤡 (@marcusjdl) October 15, 2017
Following the outcry, Corden apologised on Twitter, stating he “was not trying to make light of Harvey’s inexcusable behavior”:
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
To which Twitter responded:
Following criticism for Weinstein jokes, James Corden says sexual assault is “no laughing matter”, which is why it featured in his routine.
— HaveIGotNewsForYou (@haveigotnews) October 16, 2017
He’s always been an unfunny, arrogant prick. Patrick Stewart should’ve headbutted James Corden when he had the chance. pic.twitter.com/9HjCU0i0p1
— Stephen Patten (@StevePatten) October 15, 2017
Although Harvey Weinstein has denied the recent allegations of non-consensual sex, he has since been fired from his production company, expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; and his wife Georgina Chapman has left him.