James Corden shuts down Bill Maher for controversial 'fat shaming' comments
James Corden took a few minutes during The Late Late Show Thursday night to address Bill Maher's recent comments on fat shaming. Maher used the last few minutes of a recent episode of Real Time to rant about the obesity epidemic in America. The HBO host said, "We have gone to a place where fat is good. It's pointing out that fat is unhealthy, that’s what's bad. Fat shaming doesn't need to end. It needs to make a comeback."
This was not the first time Maher has made controversial comments on obesity. In 2017 he said, "I'm sorry, but pretending everyone is beautiful at any size is not helping [the obese], it's enabling them." Corden felt that, as an overweight person who has a platform, it was his responsibility to call out Maher for his insensitive comments. "We're using this term 'fat shaming.' We have come up with a name for it. Let's be honest, fat shaming is just bullying. That is what is. It's bullying," said Corden, adding, "And bullying only makes the problem worse."
People obviously took to Twitter following Maher's comments to condemn the HBO host.
No Time For Hateful Public Figures @ConscienHealth https://t.co/O50aR1a0O5 #buhbye #laterhater pic.twitter.com/KOjVFqjJgQ
— Michelle Vicari (@Eggface) September 10, 2019
@billmaher So disappointed with Bill Maher. He came off like a cross between Trump and Marianne Williamson. Yes, the mean ignorant bulling of one, and the na?veté of the other. We are in crises in this country and you rant about this? Shame on you! #fatshaming
— Louella (@Louellafa) September 9, 2019
On Thursday night, Twitter lit up again with people praising Corden for speaking out.
@JKCorden what a great monologue about #fatshaming. You are brave and inspiring. Thank you for standing up for those who don’t have the same platform you do. #LateLateShow
— Craig (@CraigInVan) September 13, 2019
Thank you @latelateshow and @JKCorden for your comments on #fatshaming You summed up my feelings perfectly!!
— McMinimy Morning (@McMinimyMorning) September 13, 2019
In the end, Corden said that Maher made some good points and that we need to take health care more seriously in this country, but that we also need to be more thoughtful of how we treat each other. Corden said, "Bill, please hear me when I say this, while you are encouraging people to think about what goes into their mouths, just think a little harder about what comes out of yours."
The Late Late Show With James Corden airs weeknights at 12:35 a.m. on CBS.
Watch Chris Cuomo take Julián Castro to task over Joe Biden ‘cheap shot’:
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Jennifer Lopez's surprising response before she accepted Alex Rodriguez's proposal
‘A Very Brady Renovation’ creates emotional reunion for the former child actors
Kelly Clarkson says she can’t take credit for Taylor Swift advice
Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle's newsletter.