AceShowbiz - The Breakthrough Prize gala, held in Los Angeles on Saturday, April, 5, was a glittering event attended by numerous A-listers and notable figures from Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and the world of science. However, the star-studded evening took an uncomfortable turn when British comedian James Corden made an ill-advised joke involving two prominent figures.

"Tonight is the one night that Hollywood and science come together, other than of course that one magical evening where Dr. [Anthony] Fauci had a one-night stand with Dame Judi Dench," Corden quipped onstage.

The one-liner, intended to be humorous, was met with an awkward silence from the guests. The audience's reaction was telling, with cameras capturing Olivia Wilde's shocked expression as the joke fell flat.

Corden's past experience with controversial jokes resurfaced in the wake of his latest misstep. Back in 2017, while hosting the amfAR Gala Los Angeles, he made a series of jokes about Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault allegations.

"It's a beautiful night here in LA. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage," he said, to an audience reaction of nervous groans.

This did not sit well with many, including actress Rose McGowan, who accused Weinstein of rape. Corden later apologized, stating his intention was to shame the abuser, not the victims. "I am truly sorry for anyone offended, that was never my intention," he tweeted.

Celebrating scientific breakthroughs and achievements, the Breakthrough Prize gala dubbed the Oscars of Science was attended by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Jessica Chastain, Drew Barrymore, Lizzo, Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg.

Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez, along with Gayle King and Katy Perry, who are part of the all-female crew for Bezos' upcoming Blue Origin space trip, were also in attendance.