Louis C.K. Set to Headline New York Comedy festival Amidst Ongoing Controversy
the New York Comedy Festival has announced that comedian Louis C.K. will be a featured performer,marking a significant return to a major festival stage for the comedian since allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in 2017. C.K. is scheduled to perform on November 10th at Madison Square Garden.
In 2017, C.K. admitted to the allegations,stating in a lengthy apology,”these stories are true… At the time, I said to myself that what I did was okay as I never showed a woman my d-k without asking first, which is also true. The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly.”
Following the revelations,major entertainment companies including FX,Netflix,Showtime,and HBO severed ties with C.K. He estimated in 2019 that the scandal resulted in a loss of approximately $35 million in income.
Despite the professional fallout, C.K. has gradually re-entered the public sphere. In 2022, he won a Grammy for Best Comedy album for “Sincerely Louis C.K.,” an award that drew criticism. One of his accusers, actress Julia Wolov, commented on the win at the time, stating, “Wouldn’t it be nice if people would not be rewarded for bad behavior? But what are you supposed to do? These people voted for him. I guess that’s what happens when comedy and music come together. I don’t believe in cancel culture, but obviously, Louis is not canceled. He seems fine to me. He’s touring. he’s selling out. He’s winning Grammys.”
C.K. has also returned to live stand-up performances and announced an international tour for 2025-2026, titled the “Ridiculous Tour.” The New York Comedy Festival has not yet released a statement regarding C.K.’s inclusion in the lineup.