Aziz Ansari responds to sexual assault allegation

Aziz Ansari at the Critics' Choice Awards
(Image credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for The Critics' Choice Awards)

Actor and comedian Aziz Ansari has been accused of sexual assault. In an article published on the women's website babe.net, a 23-year-old woman writing under the pseudonym "Grace" said she went on a date with Ansari last September that ended up being "the worst experience with a man I've ever had." She said the two went back to Ansari's apartment, where the actor took advantage of her, repeatedly pressuring her to engage in sexual acts, despite her objections. "I felt violated," she said. "It took a really long time for me to validate this as sexual assault."

On Sunday, Ansari responded to the allegation, saying he was "surprised and concerned" that she felt the encounter was not consensual, The Guardian reports. "I continue to support the [#metoo] movement that is happening in our culture," Ansari added. "It is necessary and long overdue."

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Jessica Hullinger

Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.