How do you decide how you feel about a person with allegations over their head?

[kenny]

Monie recently mentioned the allegations against Louis C.K.
I was not aware of them.
Now I feel differently about him, but I'm in conflict that I do.

Allegations are just that, allegations.
I think many of us are more likely believe allegations when they are particularly horrible, rape, child molestation, murder, cannibalism, etc.
Even though it's messed up, the worse the crime the more we take the side of the prosecution ... before a trial.
Even before any trial we consider the number of accusers, as in Bill Cosby.

That said, allegations can be false and motivated by things like money or politics.
The rich and famous have always been particular targets of false allegations ... though, obviously, all allegations are not false.

We have our culture's and legal system's, Innocent till proven guilty thing.
But then rich people get "more justice" than the common person ... remember OJ?
We can't even trust our legal system to work.

I don't think we should put people on trial in the media, or on Twitter, but that will NEVER stop.

All this crap is unsettling to me.
Should I stop viewing Louis C.K.?
Your thoughts?

 

[AprilBaby]

Today the papers are trashing the reputation of the dr that got thrown off the united airlines flight. He has a bit of a shady background. My first thought was not good but things happened 15 years ago and no matter, no one should be treated like he was.

 

[partgypsy]

Kenny, look at my post in the other thread. It is entirely possible that he did these things. But, even the unnamed comic who it is alleged against, the details don't necessarily fit Louis CK (married). If he did these things, I hope he realizes that it is unacceptable, possibly illegal, and stops immediately. Because the power dynamic is messed up.

 

[Matata]

It can be difficult to know when something is a witch hunt versus a legit claim. Absent a trial with a guilty verdict, I factor in available info, preponderance of evidence, and listen to my gut/conscience. If I feel that there is legitimacy to claims of sexual harassment/abuse, I won't support with my dollars or time whomever the actor/comedian may be.

 

[jordyonbass]

Kenny, I know you listen to Matt Dillahunty so I imagine that you would be pretty well versed on his thoughts on skepticism. I would suggest applying it to this situation so that it will help to eliminate some of your personal bias, you can then look at the situation and make a more objective decision on your stance.

His thoughts on philosophy and beliefs have helped me explain my beliefs in better detail and they can literally be applied to anything.

 

[missy]

If I knew he did something egregious I wouldn't support him with my dollars/time etc. But if I just heard allegations that are unproven I would see in time what the outcome is and then decide. Of course sometimes you don't have to wait to long to decide what the important facts are...Case in point Bill Cosby. I was a HUGE fan of his and watched all his shows growing up. Now I won't tune in to anything of his as much as I enjoyed his series The Cosby Show and A Different World. I am still so sad about that because he abused his power and so many looked up to him. What a tragedy and a loss.