Louis C.K. Bans Content Sharing Without His "Consent" From Comedy Shows

Louis C.K. is finally embracing consent — as long as he’s the one giving it, anyway.

The comedian, who was accused of sexual misconduct by five women back in 2017, has issued a strict new policy for upcoming stand-up shows that bans phones and prohibits audience members from sharing material from his sets without prior written “consent.”

The Acme Comedy Club in Minneapolis outlined the new policy on their website, Entertainment Weekly reported. According to the site, the show will be a “phone-free experience,” banning “use of cellphones, smart watches, smart accessories, cameras or recording devices.” And just in case you were planning on sneaking your phone in anyway, the announcement adds that any such contraband “will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event.”

Additionally, the club also issued a statement prohibiting guests from sharing any material from the show. “Louis C.K owns all rights in the content and materials, including any jokes and sketches (the “Materials”), delivered during his performance,” the club’s website reads. “The Materials may not be copied, translated, transmitted, displayed, distributed, or reproduced verbatim (the “Use”), in whole or in part, in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed, without the express prior written consent of Louis CK.”

Critics were quick to jump on the the statement’s use of the word “consent,” in light of the comedian’s history of sexual misconduct allegations, which he ultimately admitted were true.

louis ck doesn't want people recording his shows without prior consent which i guess means it's okay to do it as long as u give a half-assed pseudo-apology a decade or so later https://t.co/gaKDjSPjxH

— your pal andy (@andylevy) May 5, 2019

Some have also accused the stand-up comedian of issuing the copyright notice in an attempt to prevent backlash to his material. Back in December, Louis C.K.’s attempted comeback fell flat after leaked audio from one of his sets drew ire for tasteless jokes that included mockery of Parkland shooting survivors and the use of gender-neutral pronouns.

Other comedians, however, have mounted a cautious defense, arguing that copyrighting material is an industry necessity for performers.

“Louis is a piece of s–t and the comedy business still sucks, but co-sign on this copyright stuff,” tweeted comedian Laurie Kilmartin.