James Corden apologises after joking about Harvey Weinstein at an A-list gala in Los Angeles

James Corden has apologised after making jokes about the Harvey Weinstein scandal at a charity event on Saturday night.

The controversy continues to unfold by the hour as more and more members of the film industry speak out about the sexual abuse allegations made against the Hollywood producer. 

But, while hosting the AmfAR Gala in Los Angeles, Corden made several jokes about the producer that did not seem to go down too well in the room. 

"This is a beautiful room," Corden said at the Beverly Hills estate of investor and philanthropist Ron Burkle. "It’s a beautiful night here in LA. ?tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage."

Met by a mixture of groans and the odd laugh, he swiftly continued with, "I don't know if that groan is because you like that joke or you don't like that joke but if you don't like that joke you should probably leave now."

He was not deterred by the lukewarm reception of his audience, however, and carried on. "It has been weird this week, though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath. Harvey Weinstein wanted to come tonight, but he’ll settle for whatever potted plant is closest."

The monologue was shared on Twitter by a Hollywood Reporter journalist but official video footage of the event has not been released. 

The jokes have prompted criticism on social media, with many feeling that they were inappropriate.

The comedian reacted to the criticism on Twitter on Sunday.

"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."

This is also not the only time that Corden has been accused of acting in poor taste recently. Last month he admitted to being "disappointed" with himself after he was photographed kissing the cheek of former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer at the Emmy Awards.

Among the many celebrities attending the gala, which was held to raise money for AIDS research, were Tom Hanks, Chris Martin, Sean Penn, Fergie, Melanie Griffith, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson.

During the event, Julia Roberts was presented with amfAR's Award of Courage by Hanks and, in a surprise appearance, Chris Martin performed a series of songs in tribute to the actress and her contributions to the fight against AIDS. 

"I'm here because I love Julia and I'm less keen on AIDS," said Martin when he arrived on stage to perform a set that included the songs Pretty Woman and the self-penned Smile, written about Roberts's famous wide grin and which included such lyrics as "That Julia Roberts smile / it stretches for half a mile / it never goes out of style".