James Corden is the British national treasure who has also charmed his way into the hearts of people in America. The actor and presenter has gained a loyal following thanks to his role as Smithy in Gavin & Stacey and his current turn as a presenter on the Late Late Show. He’s also the man behind those brilliant Carpool Karaoke clips that do the rounds on Twitter. And we can also expect to see him in the upcoming, and slightly bizarre looking, Cats film. 

Last night (13 September), Corden used his warmth and wit once more to deliver a powerful response to Bill Maher’s comments on “fat-shaming”. 

Here’s a breakdown of what he said…

Corden started by saying he was responding to TV host Bill Maher’s comments about fat-shaming and how it had “gone away and needed to make a comeback”.

While maintaining that he has always respected Maher, Corden said that he couldn’t stay silent on the subject.

“Fat-shaming never went anywhere,” he said. “Ask literally any fat person. We are reminded of it all the time. On aeroplanes, on Instagram, when someone leaves a pie on the windowsill to cool”.

Continuing to candidly explore the issue with a dash of humour, Corden added: “There’s a common and insulting misconception that fat people are stupid and lazy and we’re not. We get it. We know. We get it that being overweight isn’t good for us. And I’ve struggled my entire life trying to manage my weight and I suck at it. I’ve had good days, and bad months.”

“We’re not all as lucky as Bill Maher. We don’t all have a sense of superiority that burns 35,000 calories a day. I kid because I love. Bill, I sincerely believe that what you think you’re offering here is tough love and you’re just trying to help by not sugar-coating the reality for fat people. Even though you know how much fat people love sugar-coating things.”

Corden then explained how shame only leads to things like depression, anxiety and self-destructive behaviour (like over-eating). 

“We’ve come up with this term ‘fat-shaming’, we’ve made a name for it. Let’s be honest, fat-shaming is just bullying. And bullying only makes the problem worse.”

He also pointed out that poverty and miseducation are two big reasons behind the “terrifying” obesity epidemic.

Ending the seven-minute statement, Corden said: “Bill, please hear me when I say this: while you’re encouraging people to think about what goes into their mouths, just think a little harder about what comes out of yours.”

It really was an incredible moment, which is why it has since gone viral on Twitter in support of Corden, including a reaction from Jameela Jamil.

It will be interesting to see if Corden continues to use his platform to speak out on the issue. But, for now: kudos to Corden.

Images: Getty