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Aziz Ansari responds to sexual misconduct allegations

Aziz Ansari responds to sexual misconduct allegations

The American comedian maintains that his conduct with a woman he dated last year was "completely consensual"
15 Jan, 2018

Comedian Aziz Ansari has responded to allegations of sexual misconduct by a woman he dated last year and said that he thought his conduct was "completely consensual".

The woman, identified as a 23-year-old photographer in an interview with Babe.net, said that she was furious when she saw Ansari wearing a Time's Up pin while accepting a Golden Globe on Jan. 7.

She said it brought back memories of him assaulting her after a date in his apartment when he had ignored her "clear non-verbal cues".

"It took a really long time for me to validate this as sexual assault," she told the magazine. "I believe that I was taken advantage of by Aziz. I was not listened to and ignored. It was by far the worst experience with a man I've ever had."

Ansari issued a statement on Sunday clarifying that he apologised last year when she had texted him about her discomfort during the sexual encounter.

"I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said," he wrote.

Aziz said he believed it to be "completely consensual" and had responded to her message saying, "Clearly, I misread things in the moment and I'm truly sorry."

Irrespective of this encounter, the Master of None star says he will "continue to support the movement (Time's Up) that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue."

Comments

RationalBabu Jan 15, 2018 02:09pm
One of them has to be lying. Is it that hard to work out whether it’s a yes or a no?
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Ali Jan 15, 2018 05:28pm
@RationalBabu One has to admire your naivity
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Farah (New York) Jan 15, 2018 10:57pm
@Ali Maybe you should admire your "NAIVETY". when you don't have a knowledge of a single thing and point to others. That's not Pakistan where girl mostly stays quiet after being touched improperly. In America, a girl can easily say No to anyone because they have been taught since their childhood how to protect themselves. Cheak the facts then say something. It's better not to say anything rather than say something stupid.
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