During his speech at the AmfAR Gala, an annual event that raises money for HIV/AIDS research, James Corden made tasteless and offensive jokes regarding the sexual assault and rape allegations surrounding film producer Harvey Weinstein. Several women, including Gwenyth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Cara Delevingne, have come forward with allegations against him over the past week.
I've always made it my mission to tell every American I meet that we hate James Corden in the UK. Now they know why. pic.twitter.com/nXl3mGVYl5
— Stephen Patten (@StevePatten) October 15, 2017
Corden opens his speech by saying, “It’s a beautiful night here in L.A., it’s so beautiful that Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage.”
Despite the groans coming from the audience following his joke, he continues by saying, “It has been a weird week though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath.”
To make his speech even more disgusting, he ends with, “Harvey Weinstein wanted to come tonight, but sadly he’ll settle for whatever potted plant is closest.” This is a reference to TV host Lauren Sivan’s claims that Weinstein cornered her, exposed himself, masturbated, and ejaculated into a potted plant.
Rose McGowan, an actress who claims Harvey Weinstein raped her, went on to Twitter to denounce Corden and his speech.
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/919538907221344258
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/919527395157204993
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/919528144666636288
James Corden’s speech atrociously belittles and pokes fun at the brave victims who came forward with their stories of being sexually harassed or assaulted. Making sexual assault victims the butt of the joke is despicable in the sense that it perpetuates denial of the claims and attacks the brave women fighting for justice. This speech undoubtedly calls into question Corden’s true colors, despite him Tweeting an apology. News flash: Making jokes about Harvey Weinstein’s behavior is making light of sexual assault and the victims’ experiences.
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
