Just last week, Aziz Ansari was celebrating making history after he became the first Asian-American actor to win a Golden Globe for acting on TV.
“I feel a tremendous sense of pride. To finally be the first of something is really interesting because I never considered myself to be a trailblazer,” Aziz, who picked up the 2018 Golden Globe in the Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy category for his portrayal of Dev on Master of None, said of his ground-breaking win.
But now the comedian is facing a concerning allegation of sexual misconduct after feminist website babe published a detailed account of an anonymous woman’s troubling encounter with Aziz.
The woman claims he attempted to pressure her into sex acts multiple times, despite telling him no.
“I know I was physically giving off cues that I wasn’t interested. I don’t think that was noticed at all, or if it was, it was ignored,” she told babe.
Who is Aziz Ansari?
Aziz Ansari is a 34-year-old stand-up comedian, writer, filmmaker and actor. Most recently, his Netflix original series Master of None, which he created and starred in, has catapulted him to new heights.
The semi-biographical series explores the life of aspiring comedian Dev Shan, played by Aziz, as he navigates his way around family politics, a career, and dating in New York and Italy.
So far, the two-season offering has landed the show a slew of awards including three Emmys and just last week, Aziz picked up the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
As for whether Master of None will return for a third season, Aziz told The Hollywood Reporter: “I’d rather we not end it here. I’d rather make one at some point in my life. I don’t know when that is, years from now or whatever. Ideally, I’d like to make more because I love the team of people and the whole process. I’m just happy I could do the show.”
Aziz donned a #TimesUp badge as he took to the stage at the Golden Globes last week.
What are the sexual misconduct claims Aziz Ansari is facing?
According to an exclusive report on babe an anonymous 23-year-old woman, who the site have dubbed “Grace”, claims she went on a date with the Master of None star in September, 2017 and it ended up the “worst experience” with a man she’d ever had.
In Grace’s account, she alleges Aziz failed to pick up on several cues that she wasn’t keen on sleeping with him and he continually forced himself on her.
She says she left their date feeling “upset and weird” and the website have produced texts between Grace, Aziz and Grace’s friends to corroborate her series of events.
WATCH: Aziz Ansari on feminism. Post continues…
Has Aziz Ansari responded to the allegations yet?
Aziz Ansari has responded to the allegations of sexual misconduct claims.
It took the star several hours to address the report as he and his team no doubt crafted a well-thought out response behind-the-scenes.
Here’s his statement, in full:
“In September of last year, I met a woman at a party. We exchanged numbers. We texted back and forth and eventually went on a date. We went out to dinner, and afterwards we ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was completely consensual.”
“The next day, I got a text from her saying that although ‘it may have seemed okay,’ upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said.”
“I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue.”
How did Aziz Ansari become famous?
Aziz found a cult following thanks to his portrayal of deadbeat dropkick Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation.
He’s also carved out a successful career as a stand-up comedian and in 2009, he released a one-hour special on DVD called Intimate Moments for a Sexual Evening.
“What I realised is that stand-up is a good fuel for everything. The TV show [Parks and Recreation], I think what’s helpful when you’re writing these kinds of things is having a point of view and having a take on certain experiences from your life,” he’s revealed of his craft.
“And stand-up, especially if you’re doing a style that’s autobiographical, you’re mining your personal experience to find out what kind of observations and experience resonate with people. And it’s really easy to take that and transfer it into a narrative.”
With a keen interest in dating in the 21st century, Aziz has also penned a book called Modern Romance: An Investigation.
Aziz Ansari and writer Alan Yang are the minds behind the hugely successful Netflix series Master of None.
What is Aziz Ansari’s net worth?
In 2015, Aziz landed sixth on Forbes’ list of highest-paid comedian and according to therichest.com, the star has an estimated networth of around $USD17 million.
The funnyman owns an apartment in the exclusive area of Franklin Street in Tribeca, New York.
Aziz, pictured with friend Jennifer Lawrence, lives in the swanky New York area of Tribeca.
Who is Aziz Ansari in a relationship with?
Aziz Ansari is currently single.
His most recent relationship was with chef Courtney McBroom, who he dated between 2013-2015.
“I was working at Momofuku Milk Bar in Manhattan. Someone said, ‘Aziz Ansari is here!’ I didn’t know who he was. A year later we met at an event and bonded over Hokey Pokey cookies. They’re made from smoked oats and a weird New Zealand toffee candy called Hokey Pokey. Basically, the Hokey Pokey brought us together,” foodie Courtney revealed to Food & Wine magazine of how they begun dating.
Aziz and Courtney in happier times.
“It’s definitely awesome to be with someone who has skills in the kitchen,” Aziz added of their now ill-fated romance.
If you or someone you know needs to talk about any of these issues, contact ReachOut, RAINN or Lifeline for support and advice.
