James Corden accused of promoting anti-Asian hate on his talk show

James Corden is pressured to end ‘incredibly culturally offensive’ segment ‘Spill Your Guts’. Photo: Handout

More than 25,000 (as of June 14) people have signed a petition urging CBS host James Corden to end his “incredibly culturally offensive” truth-or-dare segment called Spill Your Guts, in which contestants have to either answer a tough question or eat something Corden and his producers find disgusting.

According to the Change.org petition’s creator, the food options offered in The Late Late Show bit often have an anti-Asian flavour, which could contribute to harmful stereotypes.

“He’s presented foods such as balut, century old eggs, and chicken feet, and which are often regularly eaten by Asian people, ” the petition reads. “During these segments, he’s openly called these foods ‘really disgusting' and ‘horrific'.”

Petitioners feel that in this an age when violent crimes against Asians are on the rise, Spill Your Guts further “amplifies and encourages” negative behaviour toward people of the afflicted communities.

“Not only is this segment incredibly culturally offensive and insensitive, but it also encourages anti-Asian racism, ” the petition claims.

According to the Los Angeles Times, where The Late Late Show is taped, LA experienced an 80% uptick in hate crimes against Asians the first quarter of 2021 versus the start of 2020. New York City saw a 223% jump in that same comparison.

The missive says it holds Corden and his programme responsible for the content of the controversial segment and is asking for an apology as well as the cancellation of Spill Your Guts.

The petition, ends with a list of suggestions to help make amends, including changing the kinds of food used in the segment, donating money to Asian-owned restaurants and businesses and an apology from Corden.

The Late Late Show did not immediately respond to a late request for comment. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service