Aziz Ansari’s show Master of None nominated for GLAAD Award amid sexual misconduct allegations
Aziz Ansari (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
Aziz Ansari’s Netflix show Master of None has today been nominated for a GLAAD Award – as the show’s creator faces allegations of sexual misconduct.
The nominees were today announced for the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, which is set to take place later this year in Los Angeles and New York.
The awards honour media for “fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ community and the issues that affect their lives”.
Netflix comedy series Master of None picked up a nomination for the episode ‘Thanksgiving’ – an emotional episode centred on lesbian character Denise (Lena Waithe) coming out to her family
Waithe has already picked up an Emmy for the role, which has been praised as a moving portrayal of a queer woman from an African-American background.
Aziz Ansari (L) and Lena Waithe accept the Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series award for Master of None (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
The episode was co-written by Lena Waithe herself alongside Aziz Ansari, the creator and star of the series.
But the show’s future is currently in doubt amid allegations surrounding Ansari.
Aziz Ansari (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for The Critics’ Choice Awards )
Ansari was last week named in a piece published by Babe.net alleging that he made inappropriate advances towards a woman.
The woman went public with the story due to Ansari’s public support for the #MeToo movement, accusing him of hypocrisy due to his own conduct.
She told Babe: “I was debating if this was an awkward sexual experience or sexual assault. And that’s why I confronted so many of my friends and listened to what they had to say, because I wanted validation that it was actually bad.”
“[It’s] absolutely cringeworthy that he was wearing the Time’s Up pin. I think that started a new fire, and it kind of made it more real.
“I believe that I was taken advantage of by Aziz. I was not listened to and ignored. It was by far the worst experience with a man I’ve ever had.”
Ansari denies all wrongdoing.
Aziz Ansari (L) and Lena Waithe (Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
He said in a statement: “In September of last year, I met a woman at a party. We exchanged numbers. We texted back and forth and eventually went on a date. We went out to dinner, and afterwards we ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was completely consensual.
“The next day, I got a text from her saying that although ‘it may have seemed okay,’ upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable.
“It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said.
“I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue.”
The story has led to criticism of both Ansari and of Babe.net, a website owned by student tabloid outlet The Tab.
PinkNews has approached GLAAD for comment.
The Master of None episode is nominated in the ‘Outstanding Individual Episode in a series without a regular LGBTQ character’ category.
It is up against Legion episode ‘Chapter 8’, Pure Genius episode ‘Grace’, Easy episode ‘Lady Cha Cha’, and Room 104 episode ‘The Missionaries’.
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a release: “What people see in the media has a powerful impact on how they treat others and the GLAAD Media Awards raise the bar for media to tell LGBTQ stories that accelerate acceptance.
“At a time when anti-LGBTQ policies and harassment are on the rise, it is imperative that Hollywood and news media tell more LGBTQ stories that reflect the community’s rich diversity – and build understanding that brings all communities closer together.
“This year’s nominees showcase stories that span races, genres, ages, and geographies, challenge misconceptions, and broaden understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ people across the globe.”
The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in Los Angeles on April 12, 2018 at The Beverly Hilton, and in New York on May 5 at the New York Hilton Midtown.
The 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards corporate partners include Presenting Partners Delta Air Lines, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo. GLAAD is also grateful to: Official Partner Bud Light; Platinum Partners Allstate Insurance Company, MetLife, Omnicom Group, Southwest Airlines, and Turner
