Following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior from a number of women, comedian and actor Louis C.K. has confirmed the validity of their claims.
“These stories are true,” C.K. said in a statement, adding that he is “remorseful” about his conduct.
A Thursday report in The New York Times revealed allegations by multiple women that the comedian had masturbated in front of them.
“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,” he said, according to Page Six.
“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 continued.
C.K., whose real last name is Szekely, acknowledged that he had “power” over the women whom he victimized because they admired him.
“And I wielded that power irresponsibly,” he admitted.
C.K. said that he “took advantage of the fact” that he was “widely admired” in the entertainment industry, which allowed him to continue to behave inappropriately.
According to C.K., his position “disabled” victims “from sharing their story and brought hardship to them when they tried because people who look up to me didn’t want to hear it.”
“I wish I had reacted to their admiration of me by being a good example to them as a man and given them some guidance as a comedian,” he said.
C.K.’s actions have cost him professionally. Following the accusations against him, the New York premiere and the public release of his new film, “I Love You, Daddy,” were canceled, the U.K. Independent reported.
HBO removed C.K.’s specials from its on-demand service and FX, which broadcasts the show “Louie,” said it was examining its relationship with him.
C.K. also acknowledged the negative consequences his actions caused for others.
“I’d be remiss to exclude the hurt that I’ve brought on people who I work with and have worked with whose professional and personal lives have been impacted by all of this, including projects currently in production,” he said.
C.K. noted, “I’ve brought pain to my family, my friends, my children and their mother.”
Louis C.K. on Sexual Misconduct Allegations: ‘These Stories Are True’