Alexi Lalas Calls James Corden Vulgar Name on Live World Cup Broadcast

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Alexi Lalas made a shocking pass at James Corden.

The soccer analyst called the former Late Late Show host a not-suitable-for-work name during a live pregame World Cup broadcast while trying to promote his show After Hours with James Corden.

"What do you guys call him?” Lalas asked co-hosts Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovi of the comedian on the June 12 Fox broadcast. “A full-kit w----r, right?"

Though Lalas’ dig seemed unintentional, it certainly threw his fellow co-hosts for a loop, prompting him to clarify, "He's all dressed up and ready to go?”

Clearly taken aback, Henry chimed in, "Did he just say that?"

Meanwhile, Lowe pointed out that because the vulgar term is more well-known overseas, she hopes Lalas is in the clear with Fox execs.

"Lucky we're on American television," she said, noting that the "W-word on British TV” is a big no-no.

Though Corden found himself on the receiving end of Lalas’ joke, he’s also delivered a quip or two that didn’t exactly land with audiences. After all, he ruffled a few feathers after making a NSFW joke about legendary actress Judi Dench and famed immunologist Anthony Fauci.

“Tonight is the one night that Hollywood and science come together,” Corden said while presenting an award at the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, per a video obtained by the Daily Mail. “Other than, of course, that one magical evening where Dr. Fauci had a one-night stand with Dame Judi Dench.”

Photo by John Nacion/FOX Sports via Getty Images, Photo by Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images

E! News previously reached out to Corden, Fauci and Dench’s reps for comment but did not hear back.

And the joke wouldn’t mark Corden’s first onstage controversy. Indeed, he came under fire after making an obscene joke about Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse controversy.

Days later, he apologized for the wisecrack.

“To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter,” Corden wrote on X (formerly Twitter) amid the ongoing backlash. “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,” he continued, “that was never my intention.”

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