Keith McNally Recalls Feeling Like a ‘Little Dictator’ Who Was ‘Intoxicated’ With ‘Power’ After Banning James Corden from Restaurant (Exclusive)

Celebrity restaurant drama unfolded as Keith McNally, the well-known restaurateur, reflected on his past decision to ban famed actor James Corden from his upscale restaurant, Balthazar. McNally recounts the incident with candor in his upcoming memoir, “I Regret Almost Everything,” sharing his feelings of being a ‘little dictator’ consumed by power during that turbulent time. The exclusive audio excerpt, obtained by PEOPLE, sheds light on the events that transpired back in October 2022.

In the audio extract narrated by Richard E. Grant, McNally delves into the circumstances that led to him publicly denouncing Corden on Instagram for allegedly mistreating a server, causing her to break down in tears. The restaurateur admits that at the time, he was seeking validation from his young staff and social media users, rather than solely defending his employees. The move, which garnered significant attention, boosted McNally’s social media presence, increasing his follower count dramatically.

Despite the backlash, McNally reveals in his memoir that he never personally witnessed Corden’s purported misdeeds but relied on accounts from his staff. He reflects on the consequences of his actions, acknowledging the power of social media to amplify misinformation and potentially tarnish reputations. McNally expresses regret for potentially damaging Corden’s career with his Instagram post, acknowledging the weight of his words in the digital age.

The restaurateur later retracted Corden’s ban following the actor’s public apology on The Late Late Show, where he addressed the incident directly. McNally’s decision to lift the ban was met with mixed reactions, with some applauding his willingness to reconsider and others questioning the impact of social media on real-life interactions. The saga serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of hastily passing judgment in the digital realm.

As the story unfolds, McNally grapples with the complexities of wielding influence in the age of social media, highlighting the fine line between accountability and overreach. His introspective account offers insight into the dynamics of power and reputation in the modern era, where a single post can reverberate and reshape public perception. The episode underscores the need for careful consideration and empathy in navigating the digital landscape.

Representatives for James Corden have yet to comment on McNally’s revelations, leaving room for further discourse on the implications of the incident. The audio snippet from McNally’s forthcoming memoir provides a glimpse into a pivotal moment that challenged the restaurateur’s sense of authority and propriety, prompting a reevaluation of his actions and their impact. The narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in managing relationships and conflicts in a connected world.