Today we learned of sexual misconduct allegations against Louis C. K. This was apparently not news to people in the industry. I made a cynical remark on Twitter but I feel like I should explain it a bit more.
“The cynical viewpoint: So another celebrity career ruined aka. millionaire gets to retire early”
One message we’re seeing from this year’s string of allegations against men in Hollywood is, “Women (and men) are stepping forward and telling their stories more and more.” That’s great.
But another shadowy message I’m seeing, sort of between the lines is, “Don’t get caught until you’ve already made your millions of dollars.” Louis C. K. might never work again. But … he’ll be fine. He’s a millionaire (I assume). He doesn’t *have* to work again.
My point being: What is the benefit of calling out and condemning people who have already gotten away with their misdeeds? I can understand calling it out, for the benefit of women who might be in similar positions now. But to line up and celebrate his fall as if some great justice has been done strikes me as … toothless.
And again, I mentioned this before: Sure, he’s a creep. But is it illegal to be a creep? No. *Should* it be illegal to be a creep? *Definitely* not.
