Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Its been six months sinceI spoke publicly about Louis C.K.
in the New YorkTimes.
Nevertheless, Im still getting media requests to talk about it.
did have been, and continue to be.
To Tell the Truth
The day Louis C.K.
For 12 years, I actively tried to not be part of the C.K.
to address misconduct allegations.
It really pissed me off.
This time, I didnt stay silent.
I confronted the woman, defended Tig, and told her my experience.
It was uncomfortable, embarrassing, and a real party-stopper.
The next day, I was exhausted and furious.
Related Stories
I then took time to look at myself and my role in all of this.
I considered the further personal and professional consequences there would be.
The awkwardness it would cause with certain people, and how vulnerable it would make me.
The fact that my name would be connected to his for speaking out made me sick.
Ive received death threats, been berated, judged, ridiculed, dismissed, shamed, and attacked.
Some have said, He just asked to jerk off in front of you, whats the big deal?
And I cant count how many times people have told me, Well, he did say sorry.
The comedians who choose to shame and attack are the most disappointing of all.
accusers, saying she has a brittle-ass spirit.
His rambling bit, filled with ignorance and vitriol, isnt comedy.
Its just another example of a comedy giant misusing his power and platform to hurt someone.
I heard another high-profile comedian on a podcast say he believes what C.K.
did is no different than what Letterman did referring to Lettermans consensual relationship with an intern.
Its also been heartbreaking to see people I liked and respected lie and defend him.
Other friends simply stopped communicating with me.
Speaking out feels like standing in front of the world naked under fluorescent lights on a really bad day.
A well-known female comedian publicly acknowledged her friendship with and love for C.K.
while at the same time condemning his behavior.
She showed her support for the people he victimized and challenged everyone to do better.
Thats exactly how I felt for 12 years.
Now Im being asked if I think C.K.
will make a comeback.
The idea that C.K.
reentering the public eye would ever be considered a comeback story is disturbing.
The guy exploited his position of power to abuse women.
A comeback implies hes the underdog and victim, and he is neither.
is a rich, powerful man who was fully aware that his actions were wrong.
Yet he chose to behave grotesquely simply because he could.
The only issue that matters is whether he will choose to stop abusing women.
Everyone deserves to do their job without fear of being forced into an impossible situation.
And no one should ever be attacked or judged for standing up for themselves.
That said, I will never regret telling the truth.
I and so many others didnt feel we had options, but hopefully now thats changing.
The truth wont make a wrong right.
It wont stop some abusers from continuing their abuse and denial.
Not everyone will respect your truth, and you may suffer further for telling it.
But the truth will set you free.
