According to an article published on November 9 by The New York Times, comedian, writer, and director Louis C.K. has been accused of making improper sexual advances toward women he met in professional settings, including accusations that he exposed himself and masturbated in front of women without their consent. A total of five women, one of whom declined to be named, made accusations on the record for the Times' story. In an email to the Times, C.K.'s publicist said that his client would not be answering any questions on the topic, and he has given no further statement since the story was published.
The alleged incidents took place over a decade ago, when C.K. was a popular comedian and writer but did not have the level of fame or influence that he does today. In one reported incident from 2002, C.K. allegedly invited comedy duo Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov to his hotel room after their performance at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado. After they all got to the room, C.K. allegedly asked the women if he could expose himself to them, which they said they thought was a joke, but, "then he really did it," Goodman told the Times. "He proceeded to take all of his clothes off, and get completely naked, and started masturbating."
Other accusations include C.K. masturbating while on the phone with Abby Schachner in 2003 as well as allegedly asking to masturbate in front of comedian Rebecca Corry while they were working on a project together in 2005. When Corry declined, C.K.'s "face got red" and "he told [her] he had issues,” per Corry's recollection, and did not pressure her further. According to interviews and materials reviewed by the Times, C.K. may have tried to apologize, years after the fact, to some of the women affected by his behavior. In the apology to Corry, however, C.K. apparently remembered shoving Corry in a bathroom, which she says did not happen. That raised the question of whether C.K. might have been remembering another, more physical incident from his past. He also allegedly "implied she had done something to invite his behavior." Corry said, "It is unfair he’s put me or anyone else in this position."
Comedian Tig Notaro, whose Amazon show One Mississippi lists C.K. as an executive producer, confirmed the many years of speculation about C.K.'s unwanted sexual advances on female comedians in an email to the Times. She wrote, "Sadly, I’ve come to learn that C.K.’s victims are not only real, but many are actual friends of mine within the comedy community."
Just hours before the story went live, the New York premiere of C.K.'s newest film, I Love You, Daddy, was cancelled, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The Times article was written jointly by Melena Ryzik, Cara Buckley, and Jodi Kantor. Kantor also helped break the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment story.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can seek help by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). For more resources on sexual assault, visit RAINN, End Rape on Campus, Know Your IX, and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Related: Hashtag Focuses on Healing After Sexual Assault