The key to this story is consent.
Last November, Louis C.K. found himself at the center of a Time’s Up controversy. Multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, alleging the comedian would ask them if he could masturbate in front of them. These rumors had been circulating for years, but finally picked up steam due to the current climate regarding sexual assault. Many fans said that since Louis asked the women before whipping it out, he was fine. Others pointed out that regardless, it’s inappropriate.
It was pointed out that since these women were all up and coming comedians, looking to get their big break. Louis is, obviously, a ridiculously successful comedy juggernaut. These women had to make a quick and important decision: do they let him jerk off in front of them or do they risk having their one shot at working with a comedy superstar shot down? The power dynamic is what makes this situation so icky.
https://twitter.com/TomiObaro/status/1052220584363511808
In an interview with Howard Stern, comedian Sarah Silverman talked about how years ago, she would let Louis jerk off in front of her. She says that since they were equals, there was no issues regarding power. She told Stern that he would ask her if it was okay, and sometimes she would say “Sure” while other times she’d turn him down.
After listening to Silverman’s interview, I’m a little conflicted. It’s still not great, but it’s on a different level than rapists like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein (not that “levels” is the appropriate way to judge these sensitive issues). Silverman wasn’t traumatized by the event, and rejecting him wouldn’t have negatively impacted her career in any way. However, some of Louis’s victims took to Twitter to talk about Silverman’s reaction.
Rebecca I’m sorry. Ugh this is why I don’t like weighing in. I can’t seem to do press 4 my show w/out being asked about it. But you’re right- you were equals and he fucked with you and it’s not ok. I’m sorry, friend. You are so talented and so kind.
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) October 22, 2018
I get it, comedians reflect upon their lives, and in a weird way, I kind of applaud Sarah Silverman for sharing her less than perfect Me Too story, even though it certainly doesn’t fit with most of the accounts we’ve heard from survivors. While I firmly believe the original accusers were wronged, I don’t think Sarah Silverman was a victim — but that’s not to say that other women who’ve been equals regarding power can’t be victims. They most certainly, and unfortunately oftentimes, are.
This is a difficult topic to discuss, and I sincerely hope I haven’t offended anyone. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts on the whole Louis situation, as well as the incidents regarding Sarah Silverman, in the comments below.