Keith McNally has more to say on James Corden: ‘I dislike anyone who shoves their power and status down your throat, not just celebs’

New York Post - May 11th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Keith McNally, a prominent New York City restaurateur known for establishments like Balthazar and Pastis, has released a candid memoir titled 'I Regret Almost Everything.' Despite suffering a debilitating stroke in 2016, McNally remains a vocal figure on social media, often critiquing celebrities and patrons alike. His new book delves into personal struggles, including a 2018 suicide attempt, the impact of his stroke, and complex family dynamics. The memoir also highlights McNally's tumultuous relationships, including with his ex-wives and his children, providing an unfiltered look into his life.

The memoir not only reveals McNally's personal battles but also explores his professional journey from a challenging upbringing in London's East End to becoming a key player in New York's dining scene. His interactions with notable figures, including a past relationship with playwright Alan Bennett, offer insights into his multifaceted life. McNally's story underscores themes of resilience, mental health, and the pressures of fame, while his continued influence in the restaurant industry is celebrated by many in the celebrity circle, despite his controversial nature.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The story provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of Keith McNally's life, leveraging his memoir as a primary source. It accurately captures his personal and professional experiences, although the reliance on McNally's perspective limits the breadth of viewpoints presented. The narrative is clear and well-structured, making it accessible to readers, yet it could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency to enhance its credibility. While the article touches on timely and controversial topics, its impact is primarily confined to those interested in McNally or the restaurant industry. Overall, the story effectively highlights McNally's candidness and complexity, but a more balanced exploration of the issues discussed would provide a richer understanding of his influence and legacy.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of Keith McNally's personal and professional life, which aligns well with available sources. The claim that McNally suffered a stroke in 2016 and his subsequent health struggles are well-documented, as is his outspoken nature on social media. The description of the James Corden incident at Balthazar is consistent with other reports, although it would benefit from additional perspectives, such as Corden's account or witness statements. The memoir's release and its contents, including McNally's suicide attempt and relationships, are presented accurately, though some personal claims about family dynamics and relationships may require further verification due to their subjective nature.

7
Balance

The article predominantly reflects McNally's perspective, focusing on his personal experiences and opinions. While it provides a comprehensive look at his life, it lacks a broader range of viewpoints, particularly from those involved in the incidents described, like James Corden or McNally's family members. This could lead to a one-sided narrative that might not fully capture the complexity of the situations. The piece does mention some controversies and criticisms McNally has faced, which adds some balance, but more diverse perspectives would enhance the article's objectivity.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language, making it easy to follow. It effectively organizes McNally's life events and professional achievements, providing a coherent narrative. The tone is neutral, allowing readers to form their own opinions without being swayed by emotive language. However, some sections could benefit from additional context to enhance understanding, particularly regarding the implications of McNally's actions and statements.

7
Source quality

The article appears to rely heavily on McNally's memoir and statements, which are credible given his direct involvement. However, it lacks a diversity of sources, such as external interviews or third-party confirmations. This reliance on a single primary source may limit the depth and reliability of the information. The inclusion of direct quotes from McNally adds authenticity, but incorporating more independent sources would strengthen the article's credibility.

6
Transparency

The article clearly attributes information to McNally's memoir and interviews, providing transparency about the source of its claims. However, it does not sufficiently disclose potential biases or conflicts of interest, such as McNally's motivations for sharing certain stories or the context behind his public statements. Greater transparency about the methodology used to gather and verify information would enhance the article's trustworthiness.

Sources

  1. https://people.com/keith-mcnally-james-corden-audiobook-excerpt-i-regret-almost-everything-11725174
  2. https://www.jezebel.com/keith-mcnally-likens-himself-to-a-little-dictator-in-james-corden-feud
  3. https://www.celebitchy.com/921356/restaurateur_keith_mcnally_james_corden_called_4_times_to_delete_post_about_him/
  4. https://www.thedailybeast.com/restaurant-boss-reopens-feud-with-obnoxious-b-james-corden/
  5. https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/james-corden-keith-mcnally-balthazar-restaurant-nyc-b2743646.html