There’s no business like show business, like no business I know that would re-employ an admitted sexual predator and allow them back into the workplaaaaaaace, SING IT WITH ME.
Louis CK, previously a favourite with most comedy connoisseurs who last year joined the ever-growing list of famous-men-who-take-advantage-of-their-position-and-can’t-keep-it-in-their-pants made his first stage appearance since 2017 after confirming rumours about his exposing himself and masturbating in front of comedians, Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov, were true. Louis did a surprise (or shock, depending on your stance regarding sexual assault) set at New York’s Comedy Cellar late on Saturday night.
Club owner Noam Dworman said the comic talked about “racism, waitresses tips, parades, etc.” and said, “it is not right that he shouldn’t be able to perform again”.
Unsurprisingly many people do not agree, Dan Solomon tweeted: “Multiple women Louis CK pulled his dick out in front of lost opportunities to pursue their careers because this guy and his enablers wanted to keep them quiet”
Comedian Bris Farley said: “Louis CK being “banished” from stand-up comedy wasn’t some kind of petty punishment, it was a fucking workplace safety issue. Can you imagine the bank you’re working at hiring back the guy who jacked off in front of women without their consent because it had been like, a year or something”
Screenwriter Jason Filiatrault took to Twitter to make the point that: “If Louis CK had stolen jokes, he’d be a fucking pariah. But instead he stole careers and passion and trust from possibly brilliant comedians – women that we’ll never get to hear from – and that is worse. Or it should be.”
Actor Mitra Jouhari suggested an intro for any MCs bringing Louis CK onto the stage: “Back by NO demand, sexual predator Louis CK does more of his completely necessary and revolutionary observational comedy.”
Mad Magazine editor Allie Goertz tweeted: “One of my fondest memories is singing my song about loving Louis CK right before he did a drop-in. The idea of him doing a drop-in now feels awful. I believe people can grow and change, but this urgency to bring him (and others) back SO soon just sends such a bad message.”
Amir Talai tweeted: “Many wonder “how long” Louis CK should be “punished” for before he’s “allowed to do comedy.” Not sure, but 1) he’s not been punished. 2) For non-famous men, each count of indecent exposure and false imprisonment (which CK’s admitted to) carries a sentence of ~1yr in jail”
Louis CK hasn’t even taken a year off comedy, demonstrating a lack of self-awareness and self-importance. However, those who continue to book him make themselves complicit and show the comedy industry is still not a safe place, for women. We need to put people before careers. Time’s up.
