What had long been rumoured about comedian Louis C.K. was brought to the forefront on Thursday.
That’s when the New York Times published an article where five women came forward to talk about being victims of sexual misconduct at the hands of Louis C.K.
Exclusive: 5 women tell NYT that Louis C.K. crossed a line into sexual misconduct https://t.co/GYl09W0uW2
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 9, 2017
This news surely wasn’t a surprise for the comedian, because shortly before the article was published he cancelled the premiere of his new movie ‘I Love You, Daddy.’
On Friday, he broke his silence by releasing a statement through his publisher and he didn’t beat around the bush.
These stories are true. At the time, I said to myself that what I did was okay because I never showed a woman my dick without asking first, which is also true. But what I learned later in life, too late, is that when you have power over another person, asking them to look at your dick isn’t a question. It’s a predicament for them. The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly.
Louis C.K. added that he has been remorseful of his actions, both trying to learn from them and run from them, and now he’s seen the extent of the damage that he inflicted on these women.
“There is nothing about this that I forgive myself for,” he said. “And I have to reconcile it with who I am, which is nothing compared to the task I left them with.”
He then goes on to list various projects he’s worked on recently and people in his life that have been affected by his actions and this news.
Those people include his manager, “who only tried to mediate a situation that (Louis C.K.) caused,” and his family, friends, children and their mother.
#LouisCK's statement: "These stories are true."
— Danielle Campoamor (@DCampoamor) November 10, 2017
Victims gain nothing from coming forward, except the hope that the cycle of abuse will end. It doesn't bring us fame. Or money. It doesn't negate what happened. Doesn't stop PTSD. Doesn't erase depression.
Believe women. pic.twitter.com/fBM8bmvtdS
The final line of his statement sums it up best, and while it in no way exonerates the comedian, it’s a step in the right direction.
“I have spent my long and lucky career talking and saying anything I want. I will now step back and take a long time to listen.”
He will surely have a lot to listen to.
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