This weekend, a 23-year-old woman came forward with sexual assault allegations against actor/comedian Aziz Ansari. Publishing a story with online publication Babe, the woman detailed alleged sexual misconduct that occurred after a date she had with Ansari in September.
The woman alleges that Ansari made unwanted sexual advances towards her when they went to his apartment following a dinner date. She says Ansari "ignored clear non-verbal cues" and "kept going with advances" after she told him she was uncomfortable. The woman described how Ansari put his fingers in a V-shape down her throat and repeatedly forced her hand onto his penis, among other unwanted sexual advancements. "I believe that I was taken advantage of by Aziz," she said.
Sunday evening, Ansari issued an official statement, acknowledging that he did engage in sexual activity with the woman. He says that "by all indications" their sexual interactions were "completely consensual," however. Ansari goes on to echo her story about receiving a text the next day that said she felt uncomfortable. He explains, "I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said."
Reflecting on the fact that she came forward after seeing him wear a Time's Up pin at the Golden Globes, Ansari adds, "I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue."
You can read his full statement below.
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.
