Marlon Wayans Is the Latest Comedian to Defend Louis C.K.'s Return

Just yesterday it was reported that Louis C.K had unfortunately returned to the world of stand up comedy, performing unannounced at NYC's Comedy Cellar. Understandably, many people are very upset about this considering he admitted last fall to masturbating in front of non-consenting women. SNL co-head writer and "Weekend Update" host Michael Che has already said C.K.'s return is fine because "any free person has a right to speak and make a living," and now Marlon Wayans has voiced his opinion on the matter, too, for some reason.

"Comics need the stage," Wayans told TMZ. "That's where we express and that's where we take all our anxieties and life depressions... we put 'em on stage and we make people laugh. ... I think he wants to come back and talk about it. He's apologetic and sincere and funny, so I hope he finds the funny in it. Nobody may understand that journey, but comedians we go in dark caves and we come out with these light things called jokes."

Asked whether it was too soon for the Louie creator to come back to the stage, Wayans said, "I mean, there should be a comedy jail." Wayans expressed how he believes that C.K. has done his time and that "as long as he's sincerely apologized for what he did," he doesn't see an issue. "We all have the right to grow, and I pray for the victims and I pray for Louis as well."

TMZ has learned that a number of NYC's most well-renowned comedy clubs are on board with his return, too, with the talent exec of Carolines on Broadway Louis Faranda saying that the disgraced comedian is more than welcome to perform at the club. "We all make bad mistakes in life and everyone deserves the right be forgiven," Faranda told TMZ. "I totally understand the plight of the women he offended, [but I also love Louie C.K. and cannot turn my back on him ever."

In fact, numerous other high-profile club owners have jumped at the chance to say they'd welcome him back, including Al Martin, who owns both the Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwich Village Comedy Club. Officer of the Friars Club Bill Boggs says that while the staff "were repulsed by his actions," they believe "We can't punish people for the rest of their lives."