Louis C.K. Includes Two New Brunswick Shows In Comeback Tour

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Jay Leno will take the stage at State Theatre in New Brunswick on March 12, but a slightly more controversial comedian will be there earlier in the month: Louis C.K. is scheduled to do two sold-out shows at State Theatre next Wednesday and Thursday, March 4 and 5.

Both shows are already entirely sold out, confirmed a representative from the performing arts center, located in the heart of New Brunswick. Tickets range from $39.50 to $49.50. Compare that to Leno, whose ticket prices range from $49 to $175.

C.K. is in the midst of a comeback tour after he admitted in 2017 to sexual misconduct. The comedian admitted to exposing himself or masturbating in front of multiple women.

Sarah Chaplin, the president and CEO of State Theatre New Jersey, said in a statement that having the comedian perform in the theater was a chance to "continue to discourse" around sexual misconduct.

“I do not condone Louis C.K.’s previous actions or behavior. However, unlike many other individuals identified since the #MeToo Movement began, he did acknowledge and express regret for his misconduct," said Chaplin in a statement provided to Patch. "Unfortunately, the behavior he exhibited — and worse — continues by many other people in many other situations today. Instead of sweeping Louis C.K. and his conduct under the ‘Cancel Culture’ carpet, we must take the opportunity to continue the discourse and correct the environment, so this kind of behavior does not occur.”

A total of five women made allegations about C.K.; it was first reported in the New York Times in 2017, in an article that helped set off the #MeToo movement: The women told the newspaper that C.K. masturbated in front of them, or while on the phone with them or asked one of the women to touch herself.

The comedian admitted what the women said was true, and said in a statement to the Times that he had asked the women permission beforehand. But he also said he learned “too late” that “when you have power over another person,” such a request “isn’t a question. It’s a predicament for them ... The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly.”

C.K. skyrocketed to international fame as the Emmy-winning star of FX's "Louie."

In June of 2019, C.K. surprised audience members at Skankfest Comedy Mayhem Festival in Brooklyn, where TMZ reported that C.K. started off his set by saying "If you ever masturbate in front of someone, ask them first. If they say yes, don't do it!"

In that show, the audience received C.K. warmly, greeting him with a standing ovation and chanting his name.