James Corden's jokes about disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein at the AmfAR Gala in Los Angeles were reportedly met with as many groans as laughs.

A week after Saturday Night Live was slammed for ignoring the ongoing scandal, Corden decided to bring up the issue in a room full of Hollywood A listers.

“This is a beautiful room,” Corden apparently said at the Beverly Hills estate of Ron Burkle, kicking things off. “It’s a beautiful night here in L.A. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage.”

Corden, who was hosting the event on 13 October, prompted some "nervous groans" from the audience, according to Variety, which questioned whether the jokes were "too soon".

Corden continued: “It has been weird this week though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath.”

And later: “Harvey Weinstein wanted to come tonight, but sadly he’ll settle for whatever potted plant is closest.”

Among those present on the night were Tom Hanks, Chris Martin (who sang a duet with Corden), Julia Roberts, Sean Penn and Kate Hudson.

Hanks is on the 54-member board of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences that expelled Weinstein following allegations of sexual harassment that stretch back over almost three decades.

Police forces in both the US and the UK have announced that they are investigating allegations made against the mogul, who has apologised for elements of his past behaviour but strongly denies any claims of non-consensual sex.

The scandal, which now has potential to see criminal action, has destroyed Weinstein's reputation as one of Hollywood's leading executives.