LOUIS C.K. REACTS TO SEX ALLEGATIONS: ‘THESE STORIES ARE TRUE’
Entertainer confirms he sexually harassed 5 women; career implodes
A day after the New York Times published five women’s allegations of sexual misconduct against Louis C.K., the comedian said, “These stories are true.”
C.K. released a lengthy statement after his publicist had told the Times earlier in the week that C.K. “is not going to answer any questions.”
“I have been remorseful of my actions. And I’ve tried to learn from them. And run from them,” C.K. said Friday. “Now I’m aware of the extent of the impact of my actions. I learned yesterday the extent to which I left these women who admired me feeling badly about themselves and cautious around other men who would never have put them in that position.”
Five women came forward to accuse the popular comedian of sexual misconduct, including masturbating in front of them, the New York Times reported on Thursday. The incidents date back to more than a decade ago, and came a month after an initial Times report of allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.
New York — With his career imploding over allegations of sexual misconduct, comedian Louis C.K. confessed Friday to masturbating in front of women and expressed remorse for wielding his influence “irresponsibly.”
The comedian said in a statement that the harassment claims by five women detailed in a New York Times report published Thursday “are true.”
“I can hardly wrap my head around the scope of hurt I brought on them,” he said.
“There is nothing about this that I forgive myself for,” he wrote. “And I have to reconcile it with who I am. Which is nothing compared to the task I left them with.”
He apologized to the cast and crew of several projects he’s been working on, his family, children and friends, his manager and the FX network, among others.
The 438-word statement ends with the comedian vowing to stop talking and leave the spotlight, stating, “I will now step back and take a long time to listen.”
The comedian stepped forward on the same day the indie distributor The Orchard said it will scrap the release of C.K.’s film “I Love You, Daddy.” C.K. has already been edited out of the upcoming HBO benefit “Night of Too Many Stars” and his work is being scrubbed from the cable network’s vaults.
More fallout came Friday when Netflix said it will not produce a second planned standup special starring the comedian, citing his “unprofessional and inappropriate behavior.” He had been tapped for two specials, with the first airing in April. At least five of the comedian’s stand-up specials remain on Netflix.