James Corden and Reggie Watts Urge Action Against Racism

James Corden and Reggie Watts shared a candid conversation imploring viewers to take a stand against racism amid nationwide protests.

The latest home video for The Late Late Show (available below) opened by honoring George Floyd, a black Minneapolis citizen whose tragic death last week has sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the country.

“I have been struggling all weekend wondering what to say to you here tonight because who needs my opinion? Why is my voice relevant?” Corden asked. Despite his doubts, Corden acknowledged his reluctance to speak is “part of the problem” and shared a heartfelt call for all to hear, “speak up.” Corden stressed that “white people cannot just say anymore ‘yeah I am not racist’ and think that that’s enough because it’s not, it’s not enough”.

He went on to interview his bandleader Reggie Watts, who shared his experiences of life in an interracial family. Both men broke down in tears as Watts described the struggles his father faced, “not being able to get a job when he got out of the Army because he was black” and subsequently having to re-enlist. Watts also said his parents’ marriage wasn’t recognized because of laws prohibiting interracial marriage.

Sadly, stories like Watts echo the experiences of many black Americans, past and present. But in these uncertain times, we can be certain of the need for positive change. We can all speak up to help end discrimination once and for all.