Major Controversies Surrounding Louis C.K.: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Louis C.K..

Louis C.K., born Louis Alfred Székely, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He has received numerous awards, including six Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Critics' Choice Awards, three Peabody Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, along with nominations for two Golden Globe Awards. Recognized for his influence, he was featured in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2012. Rolling Stone ranked him as the fourth-best stand-up comic of all time in 2017.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2002: Allegations at US Comedy Arts Festival

In 2002, during the US Comedy Arts Festival, Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov alleged that Louis C.K. invited them to his hotel room and masturbated in front of them.

2005: Rebecca Corry Alleges Misconduct on Television Pilot Set

In 2005, Rebecca Corry stated that Louis C.K. offered to masturbate in front of her on the set of a television pilot. She declined, reported the incident, but no action was taken.

2015: Rumors of C.K.'s Behavior Towards Women Emerge

In 2015, rumors about Louis C.K.'s behavior toward women in his professional life began to surface on various websites, involving names like Roseanne Barr, Jen Kirkman, and Tig Notaro.

March 2016: Email Criticizing Donald Trump

In March 2016, Louis C.K. sent an email criticizing the 2016 presidential race, comparing Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler and labeling him an 'insane bigot'. He later called the email 'irrational'.

September 2017: Tig Notaro Cuts Ties with C.K.

In September 2017, Tig Notaro cut ties with Louis C.K. in a Vanity Fair interview, urging him to address rumors of sexual impropriety. C.K. denied the allegations in a New York Times interview.

November 9, 2017: New York Premiere of 'I Love You, Daddy' Canceled

On November 9, 2017, The Orchard, the distributor of Louis C.K.'s upcoming film 'I Love You, Daddy', canceled the New York premiere due to "unexpected circumstances", amidst growing allegations of misconduct.

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November 2017: FX Cuts Ties with Louis C.K.

In November 2017, FX cut ties with Louis C.K. due to misconduct allegations, ending their partnership.

August 26, 2018: Unannounced Appearance at Comedy Cellar

On August 26, 2018, Louis C.K. made an unannounced appearance at the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan, New York, receiving an ovation. His return to stand-up was met with mixed reactions from fellow comedians, some criticizing it as premature, while others defended his right to perform.

October 2018: Jerry Seinfeld on C.K.'s Return

In October 2018, Jerry Seinfeld commented on Louis C.K.'s return to stand-up, suggesting the public felt C.K. hadn't adequately acknowledged his actions and that the public expected him to show more pain and remorse before being welcomed back.

December 2018: Controversy over leaked material

In December 2018, Louis C.K.'s new material was leaked online and generated controversy.

2018: C.K. Experiences Fallout from Scandal

In 2018, following the sexual misconduct scandal, Louis C.K. stated that the fallout had taken him through "hell and back" and cost him approximately $35 million in lost income. His film release was cancelled, and various networks cut ties with him.

December 31, 2018: Leaked New Material

On December 31, 2018, a recording of Louis C.K. performing new material was secretly made by an audience member and posted online, sparking controversy. His set included jokes about school shootings, eliciting varied responses from other comedians.

March 2020: Donation to Joe Biden Campaign Refunded

In March 2020, Louis C.K. donated to the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign. However, the campaign refunded the $2,800 donation. Neither Biden nor C.K. released statements.

April 4, 2020: Self-Release of 'Sincerely Louis CK'

On April 4, 2020, Louis C.K. self-released a new stand-up special entitled 'Sincerely Louis CK' through his website, without advance notice. The special received a divided response, including from Amy Schumer.

September 2025: Confession of Ongoing Remorse

In a September 2025 podcast interview on Theo Von's This Past Weekend, Louis C.K. confessed ongoing remorse for his past sexual misconduct, and admitted to attending Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meetings.