The news in recent months has been filled with allegations of sexual misconduct against high profile figures in the entertainment industry, ranging from prominent news personalities to big name movie and TV stars. Actor/writer/producer Louis C.K. was accused earlier this week of misconduct in the form of exposing himself and masturbating in front of a number of women. C.K. actually came out and confirmed that the allegations are true earlier today, and FX acted quickly to cut ties with the man who was closely tied to a number of its productions. The network released a statement, saying this:
Today, FX Networks and FX Productions are ending our association with Louis C.K. We are cancelling the overall deal between FX Productions and his production company, Pig Newton. He will no longer serve as executive producer or receive compensation on any of the four shows we were producing with him -- Better Things, Baskets, One Mississippi and The Cops.
Given the number of projects Louis C.K. was contributing to for FX, cutting ties with him so completely was a big move by the network. Execs at FX were bound to take serious action once C.K. himself confirmed the allegations, and he didn't mince any words when he released his statement about what he'd done. The statement (which he posted on social media) literally began its second paragraph with "These stories are true" with regard to the accusations from the five women who spoke out. Not many of the men accused of sexual misconduct recently have come right out and confirmed what their accusers have to say, and C.K.'s admission likely took many by surprise.
The statement from FX went on to specifically address why the decision was made to cut ties with Louis C.K.:
Louis has now confirmed the truth of the reports relating to the five women victimized by his misconduct, which we were unaware of previously. As far as we know, his behavior over the past 8 years on all five series he has produced for FX Networks and/or FX Productions has been professional. However, now is not the time for him to make television shows. Now is the time for him to honestly address the women who have come forth to speak about their painful experiences, a process which he began today with his public statement.
We'll have to wait and see if Louis C.K. does indeed come out to "honestly address the women who have come forth." FX clearly considers his public statement to be a step in the right direction. Still, it sounds like a lot of people at the network were taken by surprise by the allegations in light of their professional working relationship with him.
One of those who most frequently collaborated with Louis C.K. at FX was Pamela Adlon, who worked with C.K. on Louie. She then went on to create her show Better Things with C.K., and he was on board the series as an executive producer prior to getting the boot from FX. Adlon has released a statement of her own regarding the sexual misconduct of Louis C.K.:
Hi. I'm here. I have to say something. It's so important. My family and I are devastated and in shock after the admission of abhorrent behavior by my friend and partner, Louis C.K. I feel deep sorrow and empathy for the women who have come forward. I am asking for privacy at this time for myself and my family. I am processing and grieving and hope to say more as soon as I am able.
Pamela Adlon chose not to go into detail on her specific reaction to the news about Louis C.K., although it's apparent that she was shocked by what she didn't know about her "friend and partner." She may have another statement or more comments once she has processed what must have been a very big bombshell for a woman who spent many years working with C.K., evidently unaware of what had happened with his accusers.
Louis C.K. has faced repercussions for his behavior on the film scene as well as with FX. The premiere of his move I Love You, Daddy was cancelled ahead of the New York Times story that broke the news of the allegations to the public. The release of the movie was cancelled altogether by independent film company The Orchard.
