It’s been a year since Babe published the account of a 23-year-old woman who alleged that Aziz Ansari coerced her into sexual acts after a date. Since then, the comedian has for the most part laid low, as the internet argued relentlessly about where his actions sat on the #MeToo spectrum, and whether he was completely cancelled, Harvey Weinstein-style.
Aziz has spoken about the allegations candidly before. But for the first time in months, he’s gone into detail about how the article and following conversations around consent affected him and his own understanding of sexual misconduct at a pop-up show in New York. Vulture witnessed the show and reported his statement.
He began by saying he took time out because he wanted to process and work out what he wanted to say.
“There were times I felt really upset and humiliated and embarrassed, and ultimately I just felt terrible this person felt this way. But you know, after a year, how I feel about it is, I hope it was a step forward. It made me think about a lot, and I hope I’ve become a better person.”
He then recalled having a conversation with a friend, who told Aziz that it’s made him rethink every date he’s been on.
“If that has made not just me but other guys think about this, and just be more thoughtful and aware and willing to go that extra mile, and make sure someone else is comfortable in that moment, that’s a good thing.”
He finished by saying he was grateful to be doing stand-up again.
“I think it also just gave me perspective on my life. There was a moment where I was scared that I’d never be able to do this again.”
He told audiences he would be back for proper shows in Spring.
