James Corden addresses restaurant scandal on talk show

James Corden struck a sombre note as he used his TV talk show to explain the controversy that’s swirled around him in recent days.

James Corden apologised for the “rude comment” he made at Balthazar, one week after his brief ban from the restaurant.

Although the talk show host initially wanted to “adopt a British attitude” and “never complain, never explain,” he addressed the scandal directly to viewers on the latest episode of his talk show, Page Six reports.

“Because I didn’t shout or scream – like I didn’t get up out of my seat, I didn’t call anyone names or use derogatory language – I have been walking around thinking that I hadn’t done anything wrong, right?” Corden, 44, told his audience. “But the truth is, I have.

James Corden addresses the elephant in the room.

“I made a rude comment,” the Late Late Show With James Corden host continued. “And it was wrong. It was an unnecessary comment. It was ungracious to the server.”

He went on to reflect on the incident with his wife, Julia Carey, alleging that the 46-year-old producer was given food that she is allergic to on three occasions.

“In the heat of the moment, I made a sarcastic, rude comment about cooking it myself. And it is a comment I deeply regret,” Corden said, noting that he previously worked restaurant shifts “for years”.

The comedian said he has “respect” for servers and “values” them – especially those at Balthazar.

“Genuinely, I love it there,” Corden said. “I love the food, the vibe, the service. If I lived in New York, I would go every day on the proviso … that they would let me in.”

Corden said he was on high alert due to his wife’s allergies. Picture: AFP

The explanation came one week after Balthazar owner Keith McNally called the actor his “most abusive” customer in a scathing Instagram post.

The restaurateur, 71, later told his followers that Corden had “apologised profusely” over the phone, saying, “Having f***ed up myself more than most people, I strongly believe in second chances.”

However, after the British comedian told The New York Times last week that the drama was “beneath” him, McNally demanded via Instagram the following day that “lying” Corden “come clean”.

On Monday, Corden shared his plans to say sorry to Mr McNally in person.

“I love the restaurant. I love the staff there,” he said. “I hope I’m allowed in again one day.”

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission