Louis CK Won A Grammy For Best Comedy Album
Louis CK’s comedy album, Sincerely Louis CK was recorded back in 2019, two years after The New York Times added further credibility to several long-standing allegations published over the years by Gawker, in which several women accused Louis CK of various non-consensual dick-yanking acts of misconduct, like masturbating in front of unwilling female comedians in hotel rooms. The stand-up special was released in April 2020. Reviews ranged from praise, to a little heavy on the self-pity. But clearly, the voters of the Recording Academy thought it was the best of the year or at least the best among the six albums nominated this year. Louis CK’s Sincerely Louis CK was up against stand-up comedy albums by Nate Bargatze, Lavell Crawford, Chelsea Handler, Lewis Black, and Kevin Hart. And last night, Louis CK took home his third Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. This is the album where he cracks jokes about the allegations against him and now it’s a Grammy-winning comedy album. Because you know, “cancel culture “exists.
Plenty of people had things to say on social media, the majority of the energy being dedicated to some sarcastic confusion regarding the optics of the situation. Many pointed out that only a few days ago, Will Smith decided to resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences after slapping Louis’ good buddy Chris Rock in the face during the presentation of Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Oscars. The topic of what cancel culture really is was brought up with some arguing that it doesn’t really exist since Will went on to win an Oscar and Louis went on to win a Grammy (although, four years later). Others argue that it’s telling that Will Smith is facing consequences while Louis’ sexual misconduct against women has culminated in a 24-city comeback tour and a shiny gold-plated trophy (although, Louis CK was dropped by his team and FX).
But back on the Grammys side of things, it’s worth noting that several people have pointed out that Marilyn Manson, a man accused numerous times of sexual violence against women, also won a Grammy last night (for Best Rap Song, alongside Kanye West, a man who recently has been accused of being a major Level-10 stalker to his ex-wife). So, it was truly a big night for people who believe “cancel culture” is about as real as the Tooth Fairy or my willpower around a Taco Bell menu board.
So, plenty of takes are happening today in regards to Louis’ Grammy win. We just haven’t heard from Louis himself. Louis’ award wasn’t given out during the ceremony, so he wasn’t there to give an acceptance speech. Probably for the best. It would have been his first big public appearance since the allegations, and he likely would have been staring out into the first two rows of the audience, watching them nervously pullback in their seats, and making jokes to the person beside them about being stuck in the splash zone.
Pic: INSTAR