After five women accused Louis C.K. of sexual misconduct, Parks and Recreation creator Mike Schur has apologized for featuring the comedian on his hit NBC comedy six times throughout its seven seasons, HelloGiggles says.
C.K. first appeared on Parks and Recreation as police officer Dave, who Amy Poehler’s Leslie briefly dated in Season 1. The character returned for one episode in Season 4, but by then, Leslie and Ben were pretty solid together, as that amazing partnership should be.
Schur, who also created Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place, shared the news about C.K on Twitter alongside his apology.
I don’t remember when I heard the rumors about him. But I’m sure it was before the last time he was on Parks and Rec. And that sucks. And I’m sorry.
— Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) November 9, 2017
“Misogyny is a cancer,” Schur wrote. “Harassment and abuse are that cancer metastasizing and going untreated. Stories like this being reported and printed are the first steps toward a cure.”
In a second tweet addressing his connection to C.K., Schur, who also wrote for The Office, said, “I don’t remember when I heard the rumors about him. But I’m sure it was before the last time he was on Parks and Rec. And that sucks. And I’m sorry.”
Fans replying to the message applauded Schur for his candidness, but many reminded him to use this experience to ensure that harmful people are not tied to his current projects.
I appreciate the honesty. Please think of people working on your current shows and current rumours to ensure you don’t have to tweet “I’m sorry” ever again. You can be an instrument for change.
— (((lip1978))) (@lip1978) November 9, 2017
Thanks and all, but can you please now focus on making sure that never happens again? Atone for Parks and Rec and then focus on not repeating those mistakes with The Good Place or Brooklyn Nine Nine. Your actions going forward are what matter here
— KMP (@margaritakp) November 10, 2017
Although it doesn’t make up for not speaking in the moment, it’s still commendable for Schur to own up to being at least a little aware of C.K.’s behavior.