Louis C.K. performs for first time in months
On Sunday night, Louis C.K. did what he’s done for much of his career, walking on stage for an unannounced set at the Comedy Cellar, the revered institution in New York’s Greenwich Village. In front of a sold-out crowd that reportedly gave C.K. an ovation before he began a 15-minute set, the comedian performed for the first time in almost 10 months since he admitted to numerous instances of sexual misconduct.
In a set filled with bits on racism, parades and waitresses’ tips, the comedian was said to be “very relaxed” in his return to the public eye. What was not addressed, however, was his admission of wrongdoing that made C.K. one of the many men to face the consequences of the #MeToo movement.
In November 2017, five women came forward to tell their stories of C.K.’s sexual misconduct dating back to more than a decade ago, including instances involving masturbating in front of the women. The day after the New York Times report, C.K. confirmed the accusations.
There was also anger directed at the Comedy Cellar for allowing C.K. a stage to perform so soon following his admission of sexual misconduct.
While it remains unclear what comes next for C.K., seeing the fallen star working on new material at the Comedy Cellar is emblematic of something much larger potentially happening in the next year.