Comic’s accusers speak out
Several women share their stories alleging the comedian engaged in sexual misconduct in a report. His film’s premiere is canceled.
Louis C.K. has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women in a published report.
Comic Louis C.K. is the latest artist to be ensnared in allegations of sexual misconduct, joining a growing list of Hollywood power players including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and James Toback.
Rumors of inappropriate behavior have dogged C.K., star of multiple comedy specials and the TV show “Louie,” for years.
On Thursday, five women went on the record to accuse the Emmy-winning comedian of inappropriate sexual behavior, according to an investigation published in the New York Times.
Hours ahead of the report’s publication, Thursday’s New York premiere of C.K.’s film “I Love You, Daddy” was canceled as was his scheduled appearance on CBS’ “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”
Actresses and comedians Dana Min Goodman, Julia Wolov, Abby Schachner, Rebecca Corry and a fifth woman who remained anonymous shared their stories in the New York Times’ Weinstein-style exposé. Each of the women, several of whom once looked up to C.K., alleged incidents of him masturbating — or requesting to — in front of them.
The 50-year-old C.K., real name Louis Szekely, has discussed and mimed masturbation in stand-up routines.
C.K.’s publicist, Lewis Kay, did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment Thursday afternoon. Nor did his manager, Dave Becky, or representatives for FX and Amazon, where C.K. has developed projects.
Comedian Tig Notaro, who worked with him on her Amazon comedy “One Mississippi,” has been among the few who have spoken out against the comedian before Thursday’s report. Actresscomedian Roseanne Barr has also decried C.K.’s purported reputation.
“There is never a place for the behavior detailed in these allegations,” the Orchard, which is distributing “I Love You, Daddy,” said in an email. “As a result, we are giving careful consideration to the timing and release of the film and continuing to review the situation.”
Chloë Grace Moretz, who stars in “I Love You, Daddy,” pulled out of all film promotion two weeks ago “when she was made aware of numerous possible accusations,” the young star’s publicist told The Times.
nardine.saad@latimes.com Times staff writers Libby Hill and Amy Kaufman contributed to this report.