Over 12,000 people have petitioned James Corden to change the name of a supposedly "racist" segment on The Late Late Show.
The so-called "Spill Your Guts" game typically involves 42-year-old Corden asking celebrity guests awkward interview questions and then giving them a choice between answering or forfeiting and therefore eating an eclectic range of exotic foods instead.
Take a look at this example of the segment in the video below:However, many of the dishes chosen to gross out the guests are staple dishes of several East-Asian cultures, including balut, tripe, and chicken feet.
These culinary choices have sparked concern among certain viewers that the segment might promote anti-Asian xenophobia amid a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A petition has since been launched on Change.org demanding that the talk show host apologize, change the name of the segment, and make a donation to Asian American organizations that work to help Asian-owned restaurants and small businesses.
The petition in question reads:
"In the wake of the constant Asian hate crimes that have continuously been occurring, not only is this segment incredibly culturally offensive and insensitive, but it also encourages anti-Asian racism.
"So many Asian Americans are consistently bullied and mocked for their native foods, and this segment amplifies and encourages it."
It continues: "We are holding James Corden and The Late Late Show accountable for their actions, and perpetual harm this segment causes to Asian American communities.
"At the very least, Asian American communities deserve an apology and this segment to be taken off the air."
On Twitter, a number of social media users have since expressed their outrage with the show and voiced their support of the petition and its aims.
For instance, one irate viewer wrote: "@JKCorden the nerve you have to profit off of @BTS_twt and have that disgustingly racist segment 'spill your guts' where you make fun of Asian foods.
"I guess Asian people are only valuable if they're profitable, right? Do better."
Meanwhile, someone else stated: "@latelateshow @JKCorden Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts is xenophobic and anti-asian find a new segment. [sic]"
A third person added: "can i bring up real quick how the spill your guts/fill your guts james corden thing can lead the celebs to knowingly or unknowingly disrespect common asian dishes? [sic]"
They continued: "i understand some of it is pure ignorance but can they actually put some respect into our dishes and not put them on display to be literally ridiculed, learn about the significance of them. [sic]"
Finally, someone else tweeted: "@JKCorden the 'spill your guts' bit seemed really distasteful as the Asian community is openly battling racial attacks.
"Maybe consider odd food mixes (i.e. cold spaghetti with whip cream). Using a culture's delicacies and calling them gross, doesn't seem your style. [sic]"
Let us know your thoughts on the petition in the comments below.
