TV host James Corden has come under fire for his jokes about disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein told at an AIDS-research benefit.
While hosting the AmfAR Gala in Los Angeles on Friday, Corden begun his monologue with the joke: “This is a beautiful room. It’s a beautiful night here in L.A. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage.”
He also joked: “It has been weird this week though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath,” and “Harvey Weinstein wanted to come tonight. But sadly, he’ll settle for whatever potted plant is closest, Deadline reports.
Rose McGowan and Asia Argento, who have accused Weinstein of sexual abuse, took to twitter to slam Corden for making light of sexual assault.
“YOU MOTHERF*****G PIGLET,” McGowan tweeted with a clip of the monologue.
She also posted that “James Corden is a close friend of HW’s” and “Hearing the audience’s vile roars & laughs show EXACTLY what kind of HOLLYWOOD you really are.”
“Shame on this pig and everyone who grunted with him #amfARLosAngeles,” Argento added
Since the criticism, Corden has apologised for his jokes and explained his intention was to shame the producer’s behavior.
“To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter. I was not trying to make light of Harvey’s inexcusable behavior 1/2,” the The Late Late Show host tweed, “but to shame him, the abuser, not his victims. I am truly sorry for anyone offended, that was never my intention. (2/2)”
As the BBC reports, more than two dozen women, including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale have come forward with allegations about Weinstein’s conduct.
RELATED: Kate Beckinsale Joins Growing List Of Women Accusing Harvey Weinstein Of Sexual Harassment