Keith McNally Just Banned This Rude Celeb From His Restaurants

by Stephanie Maida · October 17, 2022

Keith McNally, iconic restaurateur and perennial giver-of-no-f*cks, has once again taken to Instagram to share his unfiltered thoughts - this time, about his worst celebrity customer.

On Monday, the owner of Balthazar declared that he was permanently banning British comedian James Corden from his establishments.

Never one to mince words, McNally wrote in his Instagram caption, "James Corden is a hugely gifted comedian, but a tiny cretin of a man," alongside a photo of the star. "[He's been] the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers since the restaurant opened 25 years ago. I don't often 86 a customer, [but] today I 86'd Corden. It did not make me laugh."

He went on to detail two particular reports from his staff about their experiences with the Late Late Show host, which were, let's say, unflattering at best. Compared to Corden's, Graydon Carter's ban-worthy infraction seems like a benevolent hiccup.

But alas, if there's one thing all New York City diners should know, it's not to mess with Keith McNally. And honestly, good for him for defending his staff!

Update: Some hours after McNally's original 'gram, the restaurateur updated the public with a second post, saying Corden called him up to apologize. "Having fucked up myself more than most people, I strongly believe in second chances," he wrote, adding, "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."

Well, speak for yourself, Keith. The rest of us will never forgive the idea of an "egg yolk" omelette. (Seriously, what in the keto hell is that about?!)