‘One of my best friends’: Sarah Silverman on Louis CK scandal

Last week the entertainment industry was sent into further shock when news emerged that, for years, Louis CK had been abusing his position of power.

The acclaimed stand-up comedian was accused of masturbating in front of multiple women in numerous separate incidents over the course of his career – allegations which Louis ultimately admitted to in a statement soon after the news broke.

And while many considered Louis' apology, which he posted to social media, distinctly lacking in sincerity, one high-profile name is struggling to reconcile the man in the headlines with her long-term friend and colleague.

Sarah Silverman decided to address the matter of sexual assault during a monologue on her I Love You, America show this week, and felt compelled to comment on her friend's involvement in the culture of misogyny.

Insisting that examination of the matter was necessary and something to be welcomed, Sarah acknowledged that the onslaught of reports meant that it was very likely you would learn something about a person you respect which will leave you devastated.

"Let's just say it, I'm talking about Louis," she said. "And I've of course been asked to comment, and in full honesty, I really, really, really don't want to. I wish I could sit this one out, but then I remembered something I said on this very show that if it's mentionable, it's manageable."

"Full disclosure, I'm still processing all this sh*t, but here's where I'm at on it, as of this moment. It could change tomorrow and if it does, I'll keep you posted," she said.

"One of my best friends of over 25 years, Louis C.K., masturbated in front of women. He wielded his power with women in f**ked-up ways. Sometimes to the point where they left comedy entirely."

"I can couch this with heartwarming stories of our friendship and what a great dad he is, but that's totally irrelevant isn't it?" she continued. "Yes. It is. It's a real mindf**k," Sarah admitted.

"I love Louis. But Louis did these things. Both of those statements are true," she said. "So, I just keep asking myself, 'Can you love someone who did bad things? Can you still love them?'"

While Sarah feels a desperate sense of sadness over her friend's decision to exploit and degrade women, she insists that her loyalties lie with Louis' victims.

"So, I hope it’s OK if I am at once very angry for the women he wronged — and the culture that enabled it — and also sad, because he's my friend," she continued.

"But I believe with all my heart that this moment in time is essential. It's vital that people are held accountable for their actions, no matter who they are. We need to be better. We will be better. I can’t f**king wait to be better."

In the wake of the allegations, Louis wrote: "The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly."

"I have been remorseful of my actions. And I’ve tried to learn from them. And run from them. Now I’m aware of the extent of the impact of my actions."