James Corden redeemed: NYC restaurateur reacts to briefly banned comedian’s apology

Following James Corden’s apology, restaurateur Keith McNally emphasized his belief in second chances.

The New York Times dubbed Keith McNally “The Restaurateur Who Invented Downtown.” He owns several well-known New York City restaurants.

Recently, famed restaurateur Keith McNally barred TV host James Corden from the Balthazar restaurant after describing him as the “most abusive” customer in the restaurant’s 25-year history.

However, following a recent development, “Balthazar” owner Keith McNally rescinded the ban after James Corden contacted him just hours after his public statement. Keith McNally had previously taken to Instagram to detail the incident reports of Corden’s unpleasant attitude as a customer.

In a new Instagram post, the restaurateur updated the situation, writing that the “Late Late Show with James Corden” host had called him and “apologized profusely” for his previous actions.

McNally said:

“James Corden just called me and apologized profusely. Having fucked up myself more than most people, I strongly believe in second chances. So if James Corden lets me host his Late Late Show for 9 months, I’ll immediately rescind his ban from Balthazar.”

In addition, McNally explained his decision to forgive the comedian and invited Corden to dine at Balthazar again.

“Anyone magnanimous enough to apologize to a deadbeat layabout like me (and my staff) doesn’t deserve to be banned from anywhere. Especially Balthazar. So Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Corden, Jimmy Corden. All is Forgiven.”

Following McNally’s announcement that he would forgive James Corden, netizens took to the comments section to share their thoughts.

One user commented:

“Of course he apologized. He’s being dragged everywhere online. The only form of an acceptable apology is changed behavior.”

It implied that the comedian had only done so to save face amidst backlash.

Meanwhile, another user observed Corden’s troubling behavior in other establishments.

“Fine – but he needs to clean up his act across the board. Apparently yours is not the only restaurant or other staff that he abuses. It’s not ok.”