Last, Louis C.K. made a return to the spotlight with an unannounced performance at New York’s Comedy Cellar to a crowd of about 115 patrons.
At the time, Noah Dworman, owner of the popular venue, explained that he did have customers who reached out wishing that they had known ahead of time in order to make a decision about whether or not they wanted to attend the disgraced comedian’s set.
“I understand that some people will be upset with me. I care about my customers very much. Every complaint goes through me like a knife. And I care about doing the right thing," Dworman told The New York Times, adding, “There can’t be a permanent life sentence on someone who does something wrong.”
In a talk with The Hollywood Reporter, Dworman revealed that he was actually in bed asleep when Louis C.K. took to the stage at around 11 p.m. “He just went and told the emcee that he wanted to go on, and it’s pretty much autopilot at that point — the emcee let him go on,” says Dworman. “It’s not an open mike, but it’s Louis C.K.”
Now, after the performance has had time to settle in, his sentiments aren’t as understanding as he tells the Huffington Post that he’s upset that Louis C.K. chose his venue to stage his comeback in the middle of ongoing controversy surrounding his sexual misconduct.
“I’m very upset with him because my life has been substantially affected and his life has not, and I’m not sure he’s aware of it. I’m not sure that he gave it sufficient thought,” Dworman says. “On the other hand, I think he’s been disconnected from the world and didn’t realize. I am upset.”
Louis C.K. was forced to hid in the shadows after he admitted to accounts of sexual misconduct. Referring to the sexual misconduct allegations that C.K. confirmed were true, including accusations of masturbating in front of a group of women.
“We were the place that never did that stuff,” Dworman added. “And now I’m the national symbol of it. The very opposite of what I always stood for. The very fucking opposite.”
Dworman went on to add that he was most upset that Louis C.K. failed to properly address his allegations during his set in any way. But, after that appearance, the club is instituting a new policy.
"Essentially ‘swim at your own risk.’ We don’t know who may pop in that’s not on the lineup" syas Dworman. "If someone does come in that you don’t want to see, you are free to leave, no questions asked and check completely on the house. Having said that, we don’t expect Louis back anytime soon.”