These days, comedians can whine about cancellation and then go on to more creative accomplishments. One I previously criticized is now on a Peacock show after not apologizing for some racist jokes, Dave Chapelle has received Grammy nominations alongside Louis C.K., and, while the latter continues to steadily perform, a documentary about him just got thrown into doubt.
A new report filed today by Variety reveals director Caroline Suh’s documentary on the man is not moving forward at Showtime as previously planned. It was announced last year and was said to examine C.K. and his fall from grace as a result of the #MeToo movement and the broader movement over the past few years. At the time, Paramount TV and Plus creative boss David Nevins said C.K. was a great, great comedian who had “come back in his own way” and he did not think the #MeToo movement resolved the social change it brought about while also saying there was backlash about “who has to go away” and who can come back later.
Those involved with the project have not responded to the removal of it from Showtime’s slate as of this story’s filing. It comes out of a 2017 report from The New York Times where five women said they were victims of C.K.’s sexual misconduct (which included masturbating in front of them) and, in its wake, he admitted the stories were true and was subsequently dropped from a number of projects. Since then, he has continued to perform standup and last year released a new feature film since the scandal titled Fourth of July.