Louis C.K’s career is over. The New York Times published a story detailing the sexual harassment claims made against him by five women, and the reaction was swift. He was dropped by the TV networks he worked with, Netflix is canning his upcoming specials, and his agent dumped him almost immediately.
However damaging, C.K. isn’t denying the accusations. On Friday he released a heartfelt statement.
“These stories are true. At the time, I said to myself that what I did was okay because I never showed a woman my d*** 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 d*** isn’t a question. It’s a predicament for them,” he wrote.
It’s a refreshingly honest response. Most of the high-profile men accused of sexual crimes vehemently deny the charges for as long as they can.
“The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly.I have been remorseful of my actions. And I’ve tried to learn from them. And run from them. Now I’m aware of the extent of the impact of my actions,” he continued.
“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.”
The apology comes too late, however. C.K.’s career is so badly damaged that it will probably never recover it. How can it? He’s been blacklisted by Hollywood.
“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.”
https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/929069013535264769
(Source: Daily Mail)