FX says its Louis CK investigation yielded no signs of misconduct

Gary Levin | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Louis C.K. on sexual misconduct claims: 'These stories are true' In a surprising statement, comedian Louis C.K. said the allegations in the recent 'New York Times' report are true. Video provided by Newsy.

PASADENA, Calif. — FX Networks chief John Landgraf says a recently concluded internal investigation of comedian Louis CK, who had a long relationship with the company as a creator and producer of three series, revealed no evidence of sexual harassment during his time there.

"We did not find any issues, complaints or incidents of misconduct of any kind in the eight years we worked together," Landgraf told the Television Critics Association winter press tour Friday.

After the New York Times revealed multiple instances of misconduct, in which the comedian masturbated in front of female comedians, FX Networks cut ties with Louis CK. He created and/or executive produced Louie, which had been on hiatus; comedy Better Things, with Pamela Adlon; and Baskets, with Zach Galifianakis. Those two shows continue, without his involvement.

The incidents, which Louis CK admitted, took place several years before Louie premiered in 2010.

"We view this as a no-tolerance workplace," Landgraf said. "It's not an easy process; it turns us into an investigative arm and a police force, but it’s necessary. My responsibility is to do everything within my power … to create a safe working environment."

Asked when he learned of the misconduct allegations, Landgraf said he was unaware of them until the New York Times investigation was published in November. (He said he didn't consider earlier, anonymous reports on Gawker.com credible as serious reporting).

"He told me he was going to write a letter that acknowledged the truth of the reports in the New York Times. We made a decision we were going to cut ties, and did that after."

What will it take to improve the culture of Hollywood, which has purged perpetrators from Harvey Weinstein to Kevin Spacey and many more?

"This is a cultural movement," Landgraf said. "It’s a larger conversation, and I don’t feel like I’m empowered as a middle-aged man to render a Solomonic decision on that."

Nor has he decided the long-term future of Louie, which was also removed from FX's on-demand services.

"It was a great show," he said, though one "you might look at through a different prism now than you did before."