Louis C.K. Sexual Misconduct Allegations Don't Surprise Some Comedians
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) -- The New York Times has published a story about Louis C.K. in which several women accuse the comedian of sexual misconduct, including masturbating in front of them.
A lawyer for C.K. did not immediately respond to comment from The Associated Press, but a representative for the comedian said Thursday that C.K. would issue a written statement in the coming days.
Five women — including comedians Dana Min Goodman, Abby Schachner, Julia Wolov and Rebecca Corry — allege C.K. either masturbated in front of them, asked to do so or did so over the phone.
The Emmy-winning star of FX's "Louie" is known for his candid, warts-and-all personal humor, which also involves bodily fluids and sex.
C.K. is a graduate of Newton North High School.
Also on Thursday, The New York premiere of C.K.'s controversial new film "I Love You, Daddy" was canceled amid swirling controversy over the film and the comedian.
The distribution company The Orchard said in a statement that the cancellation was "due to unexpected circumstances." C.K.'s scheduled Friday appearance on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" also has been scrapped.
The Woody Allen-esque film tells the story of a successful TV writer-producer that attempts to stop his 17-year-old daughter's growing admiration and relationship with a 68-year-old filmmaker.
Allegations of questionable sexual behavior have long dogged C.K. and he said this summer that he and co-writer Vernon Chatman wanted to make a movie about beloved artists who are trailed by murmurs of scandal.
Members of the Women in Comedy Festival, a Boston-based group that works to level the playing field for women in the industry, reacted to the allegations against C.K.
Nonye Brown-West said the allegations came as no surprise.
"That was common knowledge among comedians so it wasn't surprising. I was just happy it was finally being brought to light," she said.
Many of the local comedians have performed on the same stages where C.K. got his start. The Women in Comedy Festival performers applauded the alleged victims who came forward.
"They're really just putting themselves out there and saying this is what we've all been going through we all know it now we're speaking it, we're saying our truth," said co-producer Christine Cannavo.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
