James Corden has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time for making a sexually charged joke at the Breakthrough Prize ceremony in Los Angeles.
The 46-year-old Gavin and Stacey creator made the comment about Dame Judi Dench, 90, and a prominent U.S. medical adviser during his speech.
His inappropriate gag, which seemed to come out of nowhere, caused an uncomfortable moment among the star-studded audience.
The Uncomfortable Moment at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
Corden, known for his comedic style, seemed to push the boundaries of humor too far when he joked:
“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 zoomed in on actress Olivia Wilde, who raised her eyebrows at the remark.
Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd didn’t exactly find the joke amusing.
The event, which celebrates achievements in science, mathematics, and physics, wasn’t the ideal stage for such a provocative comment.
A Star-Studded Audience Reacts
The audience at the event included some of the biggest names in Hollywood and science, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Lizzo, and Gal Gadot, along with world-class scientists.
Despite the laughter from a few, the majority of the room remained silent and unamused by Corden’s comment.
Dame Judi Dench was notably absent from the awards ceremony, which was held in a sleek space aircraft hangar in Los Angeles.
The Backlash Over Corden’s Past Remarks
This latest controversy follows a similar one from 2017, when Corden made a distasteful joke about Harvey Weinstein in the wake of the sexual assault allegations against the Hollywood mogul.
At an amfAR event, Corden quipped about Weinstein in a way that many deemed inappropriate, causing discomfort in the room.
The backlash was swift, with prominent figures such as Rose McGowan, who accused Weinstein of sexual assault, publicly criticizing the joke. Corden was eventually forced to apologize.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Glamorous Red Carpet Moment
Amidst the controversy, the red carpet at the Breakthrough Prize event still shone with glamor, as stars like Gwyneth Paltrow turned heads with their stunning outfits.
Paltrow, 52, walked the carpet in an elegant white strapless gown, looking radiant as she arrived at the event alongside fellow actresses Salma Hayek, 58, and Lauren Sanchez, 55.
Paltrow’s fashion choices drew attention, as did her interaction with Chamath Palihapitiya, a venture capitalist who has been a vocal supporter of Trump.
Paltrow’s Quiet Political Stance
While Gwyneth Paltrow is known for encouraging her fans to vote, she tends to keep a relatively low profile when it comes to politics.
A few years ago, she even faced some criticism for saying she was “open-minded” about controversial politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
However, her relationship with Palihapitiya, who has faced his own political controversies, only added fuel to the fire as the event unfolded.
Salma Hayek and Lauren Sanchez Shine on the Red Carpet
Salma Hayek, known for her sultry style, stunned in a black high-neck, sheer top over a low-cut slip dress. Her look contrasted with that of Lauren Sanchez, who made a bold statement in a red dress as she attended the event with her fiancé, Jeff Bezos.
The couple, who recently got engaged, turned heads as they walked the red carpet hand-in-hand.
Sanchez, 55, certainly added to the star-studded atmosphere at the prestigious event.
The Importance of the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
The Breakthrough Prize ceremony, often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” honors individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions in life sciences, physics, and mathematics.
It’s a unique event where the worlds of Hollywood and science collide.
The red carpet is always a focal point, with glamorous celebrities walking alongside leading scientists.
At this year’s ceremony, Paltrow, Hayek, and Sanchez were among the most talked-about arrivals.
James Corden’s Jokes Continue to Stir Controversy
James Corden has long been a fixture in the entertainment world, but his tendency to push boundaries with his humor has sometimes backfired.
Whether it’s inappropriate jokes about high-profile figures like Harvey Weinstein or a crude remark at a prestigious event, Corden’s humor seems to often land him in hot water.
While his latest comment at the Breakthrough Prize may have been intended as a joke, it left many questioning his timing and sense of propriety.
A Night of Glamour Amidst Controversy
Despite the tension caused by Corden’s comment, the Breakthrough Prize ceremony continued to celebrate the achievements of some of the brightest minds in science.
The event successfully brought together two seemingly disparate worlds — Hollywood and science — but it was Corden’s off-color joke that became the night’s most talked-about moment.
