In what is assuredly not controversial at all (um, okay) C.K. made a surprise appearance at the Skankfest Comedy Mayhem Festival last night. TMZ reports that he got a standing ovation from the crowd, despite his recent controversies and terrible behavior.
The comedian hit up Skankfest NYC Saturday night in Brooklyn … where the crowd had ZERO clue he was about to take the mic. Check out the video … the packed house gave Louis a standing ovation. Some of them literally jumped for joy. You can see a woman going berserk.
We’re told Louis opened up his set by quickly addressing the controversy surrounding him … telling the crowd, “If you ever masturbate in front of someone, ask them first. If they say yes, don’t do it!”
Were you there? If so, let us know more in comments about the reception and his set. At other recent appearances, C.K.’s material has been incredibly tone-deaf and unapologetic. According to TMZ, the festival’s promoter, Luis J. Gomez, knew in advance that C.K. would be performing.
The owners of Brooklyn Bazaar, on the other hand, were not told that C.K. would be performing and have since issued an apology:
Regarding Louis CK’s appearance at Brooklyn Bazaar the other night:
We would like to state that this was a surprise appearance and that the venue had no prior knowledge that his performance would occur. By the time he was brought through the side entrance by promoters and put on stage, it was too late for our staff to stop it. Management felt stopping it may put our staff in danger because of the large crowd. This event was a rental of the space by outside promoters. Our Music Programming department and their affiliates had no hand in managing the booking of this event. It was done directly with the Special Events department and not through them. We would first like to apologize to our community and staff for what occurred, and we would also like to apologize to the Music Department because they have put a lot of effort into making Brooklyn Bazaar a safe space with diverse programming. We will make sure to be more clear when discussing our guidelines and policies with outside events and to vet these events more thoroughly in general in the future.
Can’t believe that something like this happened at an event called *Skankfest* — the outside promoters sure pulled a fast one!
Brooklyn Bazaar’s statement is such BS. I was there. All weekend, as a comic/host/podcast guest and was also watching a bunch of comedy. Staff of the venue gave no fucks. Had 2 different bartenders tell me that Skankfest was the best event to work because of the money and atmosphere. There was a slew of security. Many of whom watched and laughed at the set in question. Ditto for bar staff in the ballroom. I was standing room in the back.