A few months ago, an Asian female comic was assaulted by a male comic with a metal object, leaving her with a concussion. It happened in broad daylight, right outside a coffee shop in Los Angeles. The motive? It seemed he harbored grudges about how he was portrayed in her documentary. (Side note: I caught a segment of the documentary, and honestly, she didn’t seem to paint him in a bad light—it was just him being himself. Maybe he didn’t like what he saw in the mirror.)
After years of harassing her, his simmering anger boiled over into violence. Shockingly—or maybe not—the police refused to act. They dismissed the incident as a misdemeanor, telling her they wouldn’t arrest him.
Violence is never acceptable. Full stop. When I heard about the assault, I was horrified. But amidst the outrage, I found a glimmer of hope in the way the comedy community rallied around her. People spread the word. A local comedy theater vowed to ban the man from their stage. Supporters contacted the District Attorney’s office, demanding accountability.
It was heartening to see people stand up for her, but it also highlighted an unsettling reality in creative circles. Years ago, when I took my first improv class, a friend offered me some unsolicited but unforgettable advice: “Watch out for improvisors, comedians, and actors. They’re mean.”
At the time, I laughed it off. But as I’ve spent more time in the comedy and storytelling world, I’ve come to understand what they meant. The industry, like any competitive field, has its fair share of egos, insecurities, and unchecked behaviors. That doesn’t excuse violence or harassment—it makes addressing it even more critical.
Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate to find a different experience within my own comedy and storytelling circles. My tribe fosters a supportive and respectful community, where people create safer spaces and respect boundaries. For that, I’m immensely grateful.
Talent should shine, not bullying or intimidation.
Group pic after the “It Might Get Dark” comedy show
LA storytellers after the “It’s Funny Now” show