James Corden’s attempt at humour during the Breakthrough Prize ceremony in Los Angeles left the room in awkward silence after he made a bizarre sexual joke involving Dame Judi Dench and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The 46-year-old presenter and actor, best known for Gavin & Stacey and The Late Late Show, took to the stage at the star-studded event celebrating achievements in science when he delivered a quip that didn’t appear to land with the audience.
“Now look, I think it’s a fact. I’m far from the smartest person in this room, but I feel like I’ve gotta say, you guys know there are eight planets, right? There’s eight planets,” he began, before adding: “This is day one stuff guys, don’t worry, Jimbo’s here.”
He then added, in a line shared by the Mail: “Tonight is the one night that Hollywood and science come together, other than of course, that one magical evening where Dr. Fauci had a one night stand with Dame Judi Dench.”
The camera cut to actress Olivia Wilde, who looked surprised, and the room remained quiet with few – if any – laughs.
Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lizzo, Kate Hudson and Mark Zuckerberg were among the other notable names in attendance on the night.
A filmed broadcast of the event is set to stream on YouTube later this week.
The Standard has contacted James Corden for comment.
This isn’t the first time Corden has faced criticism over controversial jokes.
In 2017, while hosting the amfAR gala in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Corden made several quips about the disgraced film producer that were met with groans from the audience.
“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,” he said at the time.
“I don’t know if that groan was because you liked that joke or don’t like that joke,” he added. “If you don’t like that joke, you should probably leave now.”
He continued the routine with more jokes referencing Weinstein’s alleged behaviour, including: “Harvey Weinstein wanted to come tonight, although he’ll settle for whatever potted plant is closest.”
The backlash was swift, with many criticising him for making light of serious allegations.
He later apologised on social media, writing: “To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter.
“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.”
