What's the official period of penance for famous #MeToo men accused of sexual harassment and assault? About eight to 10 months, it seems.

Comedian Louis C.K., who last November admitted to claims made by five women that he'd masturbated in front of them, returned to New York's Comedy Cellar on Monday for a surprise stand-up set, his first bid in a comeback attempt.

By the account of Comedy Cellar owner Noam Dworman, the gig was hilarious, "typical Louis CK stuff," he told the New York Times, perhaps an untimely choice of words.

C.K. didn't address the allegations or the fallout that cost him a TV show and a film release, instead spending his 15-minute set on bits about "racism" and "waitresses' tips".