Louis C.K. was a surprise guest on Sunday (6/23) at Brooklyn comedy festival Skankfest, which, as mentioned, happened over three days at Brooklyn Bazaar. His return to stand-up comedy, which he began less than a year after admitting to sexual misconduct, has been controversial and met with a mixed reception, including sold out shows in some places, cancelled shows in others, and a ban on attendees sharing show material without "consent." As you can see in the video above, from festival promoter Luis J. Gomez, Louis was met with an enthusiastic standing ovation in Brooklyn and performed a 20 minute set. TMZ reports that he opened, as he has in the past, with a riff on his sexual misconduct, saying, "if you ever masturbate in front of someone, ask them first. If they say yes, don't do it!"

Gomez, who according to TMZ confirmed Louis's appearance days before the festival after a lot of work, faced criticism on social media for booking the comic, and responded with tweets of his own. "Enough already," he wrote in one of them. "Louis CK didn't assault anyone. He didn't commit any crimes. Let the man work. Let him create. Most comedians will tell you that comedy is therapy.. Let him heal himself in probably the only way he knows how." In response to another tweet, he wrote, "what crimes? He didn’t just take his dick out without asking. If you read the times article there are no crimes mentioned." "I mean it’s a nuanced situation," he continued. "What’s incredible about the world is that we can all disagree on certain issues and still co-exist peacefully. If she can change... and I can change.... than everybody can change!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Among the vocal critics sparring with Gomez (and his fans) on Twitter was comedian Sara Schaefer, who replied to him, writing, "I’m not mad! Just observing and laughing. You’re allowed to book Louis, I’m allowed to not like it. Just like I’m allowed to continue being a professional comedian, even if you don’t like it. Peace to you!" She continued, "some of the worst harassment I ever received was from your fans. I’m sure you’re a nice person. But since then I’ve just observed from afar, curious. You’re against silencing but when anyone criticizes/disagrees, the go-to from your camp is 'you’re not a real comedian.' Hmmm."

Brooklyn Bazaar released a statement in apology, saying they weren't aware Louis would appear at the event: