Aziz Ansari responds to sexual misconduct allegations

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."