Emmys Host Michael Che Defends Louis C.K.'s 'Right to Speak' and Blames Outrage on Public's Obsession with 'Fame'

The comedian, famous for co-hosting "Weekend Update" with Colin Jost, took to his Instagram Story on Monday to vent about the situation after he "made the mistake" of scrolling through the Twitter outrage sparked by C.K.'s surprise set at the Comedy Cellar in New York City on Sunday night.

"'OMG! Can you believe that guy went on with his life?!'" he mocked the outrage, then added, "Yes, Megan. I can."

Che has a theory that the backlash says something deeper about America's obsession with celebrity.

"What's interesting to me about these articles against Louis CK performing again, is how important fame is to people," Che wrote. "A lot of what I read says that CK shouldn't get to be a 'famous' comedian anymore. Because to them, he's still winning. Isn't that strange?"

"Meaning he can be shamed, humiliated, lose millions of dollars, lose all of his projects, lose the respect of a lot of his fans and peers, and whatever else that comes with what he did," he continued. "But since he can still do a comedy set for free at a 200 seat club a year later, it means he got off easy. THAT's how coveted fame is."

He even responded to followers messaging him about his thoughts on the subject.

One woman wrote in a DM, "He's going to be getting money and opportunities that he shouldn't be allowed to get," and Che wonder who is deciding what C.K. is allowed to do.

"First of all, its ok that you dont agree with me (sic). we're different. 2nd, whos to say what someone should be 'allowed' to get?" he asked. "i mean, who makes THAT decision? you? the law? jesus?"

In response to another DM, Che wrote, "i don't know what hes (sic) done to right that situation, and its none of my business. but i do believe any free person has a right to speak and make a living."

Getting back to his point about fame, Che concluded, "Just because it looks to you like someone is 'getting off easy' cause they still have the perks you would kill to have, doesn't make it so."

Che joins fellow male comedians Michael Ian Black and Marlon Wayans in supporting C.K.'s right to test the waters with an audience 10 months after admitting to sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women.

Wayans told TMZ he won't rule if it's too soon for C.K. to do stand-up again because he's "not the comedy judge," but does believe "we all have the right to grow."

"I think he needs it. Comics need the stage because that's where we express and take all of our anxieties and life depressions and put it on stage and make people laugh," he said. "He's apologetic and sincere and he's funny, so I hop he finds the funny in it. Nobody may understand that journey, but comedians we go in dark caves and come out with these little light things called jokes."

Before Wayans chimed in, Black tweeted this hot take: "Will take heat for this, but people have to be allowed to serve their time and move on with their lives. I don't know if it's been long enough, or his career will recover, or if people will have him back, but I'm happy to see him try."

His statement resonated with many of his followers -- for all the wrong reasons -- and the "Wet Hot American Summer" actor's name was soon trending on Twitter.

In response to one critic, Black added, "I expect a lot of this, so I will say only that I'm not going to defend what he did or what he lost or what his punishment 'ought to be.' I'm only saying that we're in uncharted waters and we need to figure out how to move forward."