'Motherf****** piglet': Rose McGowan blasts James Corden over Harvey Weinstein jokes

Host James Corden speaks onstage during the amfAR Gala Los Angeles on Friday.
Getty Images for FIJI Water
Fiona Simpson15 October 2017

Actress Rose McGowan has hit out at comedian James Corden after he made jokes about Harvey Weinstein at a star-studded gala.

The comedian and presenter was hosting an AmfAR charity gala in front of stars including Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks in Los Angeles when he said: "It's a beautiful night here in LA. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage."

McGowan, the 44-year-old former ‘Charmed’ TV star, was reportedly among the eight women who reached legal settlements with Weinstein over sex harassment accusations.

The furious star branded Corden a “motherf****** piglet” on Twitter amid ferocious backlash over the tasteless joke.

In a series of angry tweets, she added: “1) James Corden is a close friend of HW’s (Harvey Weinstein’s). 2) Hearing the audience’s vile roars & laughs show EXACTLY what kind of HOLLYWOOD you really are. 3) @CBS DONATE TO @ELAWC OR YOU TOO SUPPORT RAPE CULTURE #f***jamescorden.”

Furious backlash: Rose McGowan hit out at the joke on Twitter
Twitter

The comedian later apologised for his actions, claiming he had meant to "shame the abuser, not the victims".

He said on Twitter: "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."

In footage of the monologue posted on Twitter, The Late Late Show star's joke appears to receive a mixed reaction.

Corden responds by telling the audience: "I don't know whether that groan was because you like that joke or you don't like that joke.

"If you don't like that joke, you should probably leave now."

He continued: "It has been weird this week though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water.

"Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath, it's weird watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water.

"Harvey Weinstein wanted to come tonight, but he'll settle for whatever potted plant is closest."

Accused: Harvey Weinstein with actress Rose McGowan
Getty Images

When the last remark was met with loud groans, he can be heard exclaiming: "Oh, come on!"

The jokes were widely condemned on social media where one user said: "If the problem is Hollywood not taking systemic sexual abuse seriously, the solution does not involve James Corden making light of the issue."

Lysette Anthony has claimed Harvey Weinstein raped her in her London home
Getty Images

Another said: "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."

Another said: "If today is the day James Corden is exposed for being the talentless and unfunny sycophant that he is, then hurray."

British police are investigating a sex assault allegation involving movie producer Harvey Weinstein (pictured)
AFP/Getty Images

The backlash came as Hollyoaks actress Lysette Anthony alleged she was raped by the disgraced producer at her home in Chelsea, west London.

The Met Police said it had received an allegation of sexual assault without naming the producer.

Scotland Yard later revealed three further allegations from a second victim dating back to 2010, 2011 and 2015 in Westminster and Camden respectively were also being probed.

Weinstein was fired by his own film company last Sunday after a litany of sexual harassment allegations. He also faces allegations of rape.

The film producer, who founded up Miramax with brother Bob and ran The Weinstein Company, has apologised for elements of his past behaviour, strongly denies any claims of non-consensual sex, rape and sexual assault.

AmfAR is an international charity raising money to fund research into AIDS research and HIV prevention.

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