James Corden's CFDA Opening Remarks Were Edited

It appears that the Council of Fashion Designers of America thinks the garment industry can't take a joke. When the CFDA uploaded James Corden's opening remarks to YouTube, the presenter's on-point puns and wisecrack-filled words were conspicuously edited, Racked reports. The unedited speech can be found on The Cut.

The host of The Late Late Show is adored by many for his frank, cutting sense of humor, which oftentimes has a finger on the pulse of modern culture. However, the CFDA has shaved down Corden's candid comments. The only question is why. Were Corden's witticisms deemed too on-the-nose for audiences? Did the CFDA encounter a time constraint issue? While the reason for the edits remains to be seen, it seems a shame to keep Corden's talent for comedy under wraps. The censorship is unexpected, especially in light of the daring remarks made by recent Oscar and Emmy presenters including Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen Degeneres, and the dynamic duo Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

If the reason for the strategic edits was indeed lessening the blow of the truthful land mines embedded within Corden's speech, the CFDA admittedly had quite a bit to contend with. The comedian wasted no time in calling attention to the imprudence of keeping alleged sexual harrasser Terry Richardson on a pedestal, continuing to worship at the altar of the Kardashians, and the lunacy of dubbing Rihanna a fashion icon when she rarely sports honest-to-goodness clothing.

One dig after another painted a shocking portrait of the garment industry's shortcomings. "Asking me to host the CFDAs is like asking Terry Richardson to host your daughter's birthday party," Corden quipped, beginning his speech with an explosive bang. Even ousted Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries didn't escape the criticism. "Abercrombie and Fitch's [CEO] Michael Jeffries once said, 'Of course my brand excludes people. It's for cool people.'" Corden quoted. "Now, as I stand in a room in front of the coolest people on the planet, I can see not one person wearing Abercrombie & Fitch. Mike Jeffries is here tonight; he's winning the Swarovski Prick of the Year Award."

Given that Corden's remarks were made with complete integrity and in the spirit of entertainment, it seems likely the CFDA performed edits due to a time issue rather than to sanitize the speech. After all, the fashion industry should welcome the chance to reflect on the past year with a handful of well-placed jests.

Editor's Note: The CFDA could not be reached for comment at press time.