From the high of winning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in the Netflix series Master of None to the low of being one of many powerful men in Hollywood accused of sexually inappropriate behavior, it's safe to say that January has been a roller coaster of a month for comedian Aziz Ansari.
Last week, we reported on a story that was published in Babe, where a female photographer alleged that Ansari, after speeding through what was supposed to be a romantic date, made several unwanted sexual advances in her direction, even though she repeatedly tried to fend him off. The next day, she sent him a long text message explaining how uncomfortable his actions made her feel, ending the message by writing: "I want to make sure you’re aware so maybe the next girl doesn’t have to cry on the ride home."
Ansari has sine responded to these allegations and, while acknowledging that the two did engage in some sexual activity, he maintains that those actions were "completely consensual." Read his full statement, as was published in Variety, below:
In September of last year, I met a woman at a party. We exchanged numbers. We texted back and forth and eventually went on a date. We went out to dinner, and afterwards we ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was completely consensual.
The next day, I got a text from her saying that although “it may have seemed okay,” upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said.
I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue.
There's no word on whether his Netflix show or other entertainment industry ventures of his are in jeopardy of being canned because of these allegations.
Do you think Ansari's response was sufficient or no? Let us know in the comments.