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Mindy Kaling has defended Aziz Ansari on Instagram after she faced backlash for attending the comedian’s show.
Kaling posted a ticket from Ansari’s show on Friday, with the caption: “funniest sh*t ever,” which prompted her followers to criticise her decision to support the comedian who last year was accused of sexual misconduct by a woman who said he’d pressured her into having sex.
“Can we stop supporting sexual abusers already?” one person commented on Kaling’s Instagram.
Others said they planned to unfollow Kaling over her support for Ansari.
In response to the accusatory comments, Kaling said: “He speaks about what happened in a humble, respectful and reflective way, I was very impressed and proud to have him as a friend.
Show all 24 1 /24#MeToo movement – In pictures #MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 A picture shows the messages "#Me too" and #Balancetonporc ("expose your pig") on the hand of a protester during a gathering against gender-based and sexual violence called by the Effronte-e-s Collective, on the Place de la Republique square in Paris
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#MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Dozens of women and men attend a rally and march in Washington Square Park
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#MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 People carry signs addressing the issue of sexual harassment at a #MeToo rally outside of Trump International Hotel
Getty
#MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Activists and advocates for survivors of sexual abuse gather in the Federal Building Plaza to protest the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh
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“Obviously we can disagree but I think people can change and mature.”
The actress also responded to another commenter who had accused her of no longer being a “champion of women,” saying: “I am a champion of women. I am also a champion of my friend and do not believe they are mutually exclusive.”
Ansari recently returned to comedy after taking a break following a woman's published account of the comedian's alleged sexual misconduct on babe.net.
According to the woman, who remained anonymous, she and Ansari went on a date that led to a unwanted sexual encounter.
Following the allegations, Ansari said at the time that he was “surprised and concerned” and “took her words to heart”.
During a recent stand-up show, the comedian also addressed the accusations , calling it “a terrifying thing to talk about”.
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