Aziz Ansari addresses sexual misconduct charges in hs Netflix standup special

NETFLIX

Aziz Ansari started out his Netflix special on serious note, addressing the sexual misconduct charges of a year ago.

ASAM NEWS
Aziz Ansari’s new Netflix special, “Aziza Ansari: Right Now,” became available for streaming Tuesday, (July 9). The comedy special opened and ended on a serious note as Ansari addressed the sexual misconduct allegations made against him in 2018.

The Indian American comedian wasted no time by beginning the show with remarks that made headlines ahead of the special’s release.

“There’s times I felt scared, there’s times I felt humiliated, there’s times I felt embarrassed, and ultimately, I just felt terrible that this person felt this way,” Ansari somberly told the audience. “And after a year or so, I just hope it was a step forward.”

Ansari also made sure to communicate to his audience how important addressing the allegations was to him.

“I know this isn’t the most hilarious way to begin a comedy show, but it’s important to me that you know how I feel about that whole thing before we share this night together,” Ansari said.

At times he included small jokes about the allegations. In one comedic bit, Ansari said he jokingly tries to deflect the allegations off of himself and onto Hasan Minaj.

Ansari also addressed other sexual assault allegations made against R. Kelley and Michael Jackson, TIME reports. Here Ansari engaged the artist vs their art debate. Are we allowed to appreciate their work while also acknowledging their misconduct?

“What if, in 1999, Osama bin Laden put out an incredible jazz album?” Ansari asked.

Ansari also critiqued “virtue-signaling,” which arguably played a role in the criticism Ansari faced himself.

“They don’t really care about learning, exploring, discussing,” Ansari said. “They just wanna chime in with their little programmed reactions. They already know what they think about everything.”

As he brought the special to close, Ansari reflected on the impact the allegations had on his career.

“I saw the world where I don’t ever get to do this again,” Ansari said.

He tells the audience that “all we have is the moment we have and the people we’re with.”

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