Indie film distributor The Orchard has canceled the theatrical release of Louis C.K.s controversial new film I Love You, Daddy following a series of sexual misconduct allegations made against the acclaimed stand-up comedian/filmmaker. The company announced Friday in a statement that it will not be moving forward with the release, Deadline reports.
The movie, which premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, was set to hit select theaters on November 17th, followed by a wider release on December 1st. The Orchard abruptly nixed the projects New York premiere on November 9th, the same day The New York Times published a detailed report in which five women (including fellow comedians) accused the Louie creator of sexual misconduct.
The accusations against C.K. which arrived amid a series of industry-rattling sexual harassment and abuse reports include the comic allegedly masturbating in front of two women and pleasuring himself during a phone call.
I Love You, Daddy stars C.K. the films writer, director and editor as a prominent TV producer whose 17-year-old daughter (Chloe Grace Moretz) falls in love with a 68-year-old filmmaker (John Malkovich). In one scene, Charlie Days character mimes masturbation in front of other people.
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Day told The L.A. Times he was appalled by the allegations, noting he will not be promoting the movie further. Moretz told the publication she informed The Orchard two weeks ago she would also stop promoting the film after being made aware of numerous possible accusations.
C.K. declined to comment in the New York Times article, and a rep for the comedian did not return Rolling Stones initial request for comment.
On Friday afternoon, FX, the home of Louie and C.K.-produced shows like Baskets and Better Things, announced they are ending their association with C.K.
Today, FX Networks and FX Productions are ending our association with Louis C.K. We are cancelling the overall deal between FX Productions and his production company, Pig Newton. He will no longer serve as executive producer or receive compensation on any of the four shows we were producing with him Better Things, Baskets, One Mississippi and The Cops, the network said in a statement.
FX continued, Louis has now confirmed the truth of the reports relating to the five women victimized by his misconduct, which we were unaware of previously. As far as we know, his behavior over the past 8 years on all five series he has produced for FX Networks and/or FX Productions has been professional. However, now is not the time for him to make television shows. Now is the time for him to honestly address the women who have come forth to speak about their painful experiences, a process which he began today with his public statement. FX Networks and FX Productions remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure that all people work in an environment that is safe, respectful and fair, and we will continue our review of all of these productions to ensure that was and is the case.
Pamela Adlon, who co-starred alongside C.K. on HBOs Lucky Louie and stars and co-created Better Things with the comedian, said in a statement late Friday, Hi. Im here. I have to say something. Its so important. My family and I are devastated and in shock after the admission of abhorrent behavior by my friend and partner, Louis C.K. I feel deep sorrow and empathy for the women who have come forward. I am asking for privacy at this time for myself and my family. I am processing and grieving and hope to say more as soon as I am able.
C.K.s management company 3 Arts announced Friday that they were also dropping the comedian as a client. We have terminated our relationship with Louis C.K., 3 Arts said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our staff, clients and the community at large. We are doing a full internal review regarding this situation and are taking additional steps to strengthen our processes and procedures while engaging with our staff to address any concerns about harassment or abuse of power. This behavior is totally unacceptable in all circumstances and must be confronted and addressed. Similarly, C.K.s publicist Lewis Kay said he is no longer representing the comic.
Netflix, which premiered C.K.s comedy special 2017 earlier in the year, scrapped plans to stream their previously announced second stand-up special from the comedian. The allegations made by several women in The New York Times about Louis C.K.s behavior are disturbing, a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement Friday. Louiss unprofessional and inappropriate behavior with female colleagues has led us to decide not to produce a second stand-up special, as had been planned.
HBO announced it has dropped C.K. from its Night of Too Many Stars: America Unites for Autism Programs comedy benefit, which is scheduled to air on November 18th, as well as removed C.K.-related programming from its streaming services.