Why Louis CK broke my heart / Can the work be separated from its creators’ abhorrent acts?
When it comes to comedy, I am the epitome of tough crowd. Properly laughing whilst watching something doesn’t happen all that often. A slight smile or a general sense of amusement - sure! But to get me laughing out loud takes a LOT. [I would just like to point out this applies to TV/film/standup/theatre etc - my family & friends make me LOL all the time :)]
So when my husband suggested we watch Louie all those years ago, I was reluctant as ever. One episode in and I was SOLD. The writing, the performances, the tone captivated me in a way no other comedy show had done before. It was rip-roaringly funny whilst tapping into universal truths about life, love and parenting. I will forever remember the tooth brushing scene with Jane, EVERY episode Pamela Adlon was in, So Did The Fat Lady episode with Sarah Baker (so brutally honest and touching), Louie’s poetic conversations with the doctor re: his failed relationship with Amia, the duckling episode - the list goes on and on. I would laugh one second and get all teary the next.
And so, naturally, Louis CK became “my” comedian. I watched all the Netflix specials. I watched films purely because he was in them. My husband and I bought seriously expensive tickets for a stadium show in London and I even tried watching Baskets! I would quote his jokes and play clips of his standup to anyone who’d show remote interest.
Louis CK joined the exclusive list of “my people” - musicians, writers, actors, CREATORS who have the special power to move and inspire me with their work by either speaking my truth or challenging me to see the world in a different light.
So when the Louis CK story broke out couple of days ago (“it’s just rumours”) and again yesterday (CK confirms it’s all true), I was shocked. I do not personally know Louis CK and so, his actions should have no impact on my life. Except they do. Because here is the guy who makes the work I love, work that makes me laugh, makes me think, stays with me. And this same guy has abused his power and exposed himself to women who did not ask for it or gave their permission for it to happen. I felt betrayed.
Of course, being good at your job does not necessarily make you a good person. I know this. And still, in my head, my heroes are out there living their lives with grace, kindness, love and respect for others, right? WRONG!
So, what do I do next time I feel like watching CK’s work? Does it mean that by seeing his shows/standup/films I am excusing his behaviour? Can the work be separated from its maker? I know I’m not the first one to ask this question (look up poet Pablo Neruda for example) and I certainly won’t pretend I have an answer.
Louis CK did an awful thing. Compulsion or not, he should’ve known better. I am glad these women came forward and I hope many more find the courage to do so because men like Weinstein, Spacey and CK must be held accountable. They also serve as reminders to all other men in power, be it in Hollywood or elsewhere, that you should think twice next time an urge to sexually harass someone comes over you.
For me, Louis CK’s work will forever be tainted by these events. I will never understand how a man so clever and funny can also be a man who thought it was ok to behave in this way. Or even worse, who thought his power would protect him from these stories coming out.
Feeling betrayed by your heroes is sad. But it is nothing compared to what these women had to go through.
Time to find some new heroes!