Is James Corden Facing Big Trouble?
James Corden is celebrating 1,000 episodes of his CBS hit "The Late Late Show" and he's bringing out all the celebs to commemorate the milestone.
Corden took the reins in March 2015 and the late-night program has since become the birthplace of Apple Music's "Carpool Karaoke." The British host first launched it as a segment on his show, where he welcomed special guests like Mila Kunis, Anne Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and more. Joining Corden to celebrate his 1,000-episode milestone was none other than his first "Carpool Karaoke" guest, Mariah Carey.
"These are very difficult jobs to leave, because you work with incredible people and you do something that's really amazing every day," Corden said to Variety about his time thus far on the late-night talk show. "I never used to understand before I started this, how people could do these [talk show hosting] jobs for 15, 20, 25 years. But I see it now."
Despite the milestone, Corden's fate as host of "The Late Late Show" is up in the air, with the actor's contract set to end in less than one year. "I never really saw this job as a final destination," Corden said, when asked if he plans to re-sign. "I saw it as a stop on a journey. So I honestly don't know the answer to that." Unfortunately for Corden, rumor has it the talk show host may not get to make that final decision for himself, with one of his production companies set to dissolve.
James Corden may lose a major deal
In a report by the Daily Mail, rumors are swirling that James Corden might be out of a job — or out of a company, rather.
The television host's production company, Fulwell 73 Productions LLP, is reportedly set to dissolve, which could cause major issues for Corden as, the company is behind his hit talk show "The Late Late Show" on CBS. According to the Daily Mail, the end of the production company means Corden is no longer involved in Fulwell 73, which was first launched back in 2005 by Ben Winston (executive producer of Corden's late night show), Ben and Gabriel Turner, and Leo Pearlman. "In many ways, I've felt like an unofficial partner for many years, and now that it's official I feel incredibly proud to have joined this incredible company," Corden said in 2017 after officially joining his pals in the company. "In Gabe, Ben, Leo and Ben, I feel I'm working with the most vibrant, passionate, talented directors and producers I've ever met."
Corden and Winston's relationship began back in 2003 on the set of their UK sitcom "Teachers," according to TBHonest. The pair's successful production partnership has landed them both millions and résumés that includes producing specials like Adele's sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey. Fulwell 73 also signed a deal with Nickelodeon back in the summer of 2020 to create kids programming.
James Corden faced backlash over 'anti-Asian' food segment
But then again this isn't the first time that James Corden has made waves, and not the positive kind. During the summer of 2021, the late night talk show host faced backlash over his supposed "anti-Asian" food segment called "Spill Your Guts," per Vulture, after a petition had asked Corden not to refer to Asian food as "really disgusting" and "horrific." The Change.org petition noted that "in the wake of the constant Asian hate crimes that have continuously been occurring, not only is this segment incredibly culturally offensive and insensitive, but it also encourages anti-Asian racism. So many Asian Americans are consistently bullied and mocked for their native foods, and this segment amplifies and encourages it."
Corden responded to the petition by saying that he was going to keep the segment, but just change the foods he uses in it, according to TODAY. But that's not the only time Corden has managed to spark ire among his critics.
James Corden's on the wrong side of the army line
James Corden, a self-proclaimed member of the "BTS Army," managed to ruffle a few feathers when he seemingly attacked the Korean pop band's fanbase by calling them "15-year-old girls," according to NME, while mocking their visit to the UN. He said (via Twitter), "The United Nations General Assembly kicked off this morning in New York City, and it started with some pretty unusual visitors – BTS were there. Historic moment. It actually marks the first time that 15-year-old girls everywhere found themselves wishing that they were Secretary General António Guterres." A lot of his critics subsequently commented on his post. "Well... to the blacklist he goes," one user tweeted, while another user wrote, "James Corden is the one who shouldn't be taken seriously."
With that said, it sounds like Corden might ultimately benefit from some time away from the spotlight. Because whether his racist and ageist comments were intentionally offensive or not, these inappropriate remarks aren't a good look, Corden.