James Corden finally admits he was 'rude' at New York restaurant as he addresses ban

James Corden has spoken out after he was labelled the 'most abusive customer', admitting that he was 'rude' in a New York City restaurant.

The talkshow host has been in the headlines since Keith McNally, who owns Balthazar, labelled him a 'tiny cretin of a man' over his alleged treatment of staff earlier this month, and barred him from eating at his restaurant.

Keith said Corden subsequently apologised and he has since revoked the ban, but people are still sharing stories about Corden across social media.

In an interview with The New York Times, Corden said he hadn't 'done anything wrong, on any level'; however, speaking on The Late Late Show, he conceded that he had been 'ungracious'.

Recounting his version of events, he said: "Things are going to get written about me. 'Never Complain, Never Explain' is very much my motto. But as my Dad pointed out to me on Saturday, he said ‘Son, well you did complain, so you might need to explain.'

"Look when you make a mistake you’ve got to take responsibility, so I thought I would share with you what happened.

"A couple of weeks ago, I was in New York with some friends, and we went for breakfast at one of my absolute favourite restaurants. It's a place called Balthazar. And I genuinely love it there. I love the food, the vibe, the service."

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Corden went on to explain that his wife has a serious food allergy, claiming that she was served food she was allergic to.

"But she hadn't taken a bite of it or anything, no worries – we sent it back. All was good," he continued.

"As her meal came wrong to the table the third time - in the heat of the moment, I made a sarcastic, rude comment about cooking it myself, and it is a comment I deeply regret.

"I understand the difficulties of being a server. I worked shifts at restaurants for years. I have such respect and I value anyone that does such a job. And the team at that restaurant are so great – that's why I love it there. The restaurant manager and the server, they were lovely.

"[...] But here's the truth of it. Because I didn't shout, or scream – I didn't get up out of my seat, I didn't call anyone names or use derogatory language – I've been walking around thinking I hadn't done anything wrong… right?

"But the truth is I have. I made a rude comment, and it was wrong. It was an unnecessary comment. It was ungracious to the server."

He added that he had phoned up to apologise to Keith and hoped to apologise to the servers in person - should he be welcomed back.

He said: "I love that restaurant. I love the staff there. I hope I am allowed in again one day, so when I'm back in New York I can go there and apologise in person - which is something I will absolutely do."

Topics: Celebrity, James Corden

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey