Bill Maher defends disgraced comedian Louis C.K. for doing enough show business jail time

Comedian Bill Maher defended his decision to invite embattled comic Louis C.K.to his recent Mark Twain Prize ceremony, declaring that canceled stars should not face a lifetime ban from the entertainment industry.Speaking with NPR’s “Newsmakers” podcast, the host of HBO’s “Real Time” argued that the court of public opinion frequently ignores the rule of law.

He pointed to his recent interviews with actors Kevin Spacey and Woody Allen, and insisted society needs to recognize when someone has done their time.“People just want to believe what they want to believe.So, when the jury comes in on the side you like, ‘Oh, perfect.

The jury spoke.’ But when they don’t, it’s like, ‘Oh, no, screw that.Forget it.

I don’t care about the police investigations.I don’t care about the exonerations,’” Maher said.“Either the law means something or it doesn’t.

You know, and not every punishment should be forever.Have some grace,” he added.On June 28, Maher received the 27th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a Kennedy Center ceremony that featured a lineup of high-profile guests including Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Matt Friend, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno, John Mellencamp and Stephen A.

Smith.The event is set to stream on Netflix on July 21.His inclusion of disgraced comedian Louis C.K.

sparked questions from the NPR interviewer.In 2017, C.K.

admitted to sexual misconduct allegations after several female comedians accused him of exposing himself and masturbating in front of them or over the phone without their consent in a New York Times article.His actions did not result in criminal charges.Maher defended C.K., arguing he has already faced public cancellation for nearly a decade and has served his time in “show business jail.” C.K.

has returned to Netflix with a new comedy special, “Ridiculous.” Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.Please prov...