Tiffany Haddish “deeply regrets” her participation in the controversial sketch “Through a Pedophile’s Eyes.”
The 42-year-old actress has addressed the child sex abuse lawsuit she and fellow comedian Aries Spears are facing in relation to their 2014 comedy skit.
In an Instagram post, she stated, “I understand that many people have doubts. I got it. I am exactly where you are.
“Unfortunately, due to an ongoing legal proceeding, I can say very little at this time.
“However, despite the fact that this sketch was intended to be humorous, it was not at all funny, and I deeply regret having agreed to perform in it.
“As soon as I can, I look forward to sharing a great deal more about this circumstance.”
The two celebrities were listed as defendants in a lawsuit filed by an unnamed plaintiff known as Jane Doe last week.
She alleged that the comedians encouraged her and her brother, likewise unnamed and referred to as John Doe, to engage in sexual behaviors as children.
Her lawyer has disputed the allegations and called the case “frivolous.”
Andrew B Brettler stated in a statement to “Entertainment Tonight” that “Plaintiff’s mother, Trizah Morris, has been attempting to assert these false claims against Ms. Haddish for several years.
“Every attorney who first took on Ms. Haddish’s case — and there were a number of them — dropped the matter after it became evident that the allegations were without merit and Ms. Haddish would not be intimidated.
“Now, Ms. Morris is represented in this action by her adult daughter. Together, they will suffer the repercussions of pursuing this frivolous case.”
Meanwhile, Spears’ attorney Debra Opri stated, “He will not succumb to any intimidation.”
The sexually graphic skit that was filmed in 2013 and published on “Funny Or Die” in 2014 was removed four years later.
The lawsuit claims that the children were “moaning and making sexual noises while eating (a) sandwich (from opposite ends) in a manner that mimicked fellatio.”
The lawsuit continues: “Haddish then demonstrated to plaintiff Jane Doe how to perform fellatio, including gestures, noises, moaning, and groaning.”
Both Haddish and Spears have been charged with sexual battery, gross negligence, intentional cause of mental distress, sexual abuse of a minor, and sexual harassment.
Additionally, Haddish has been charged with constructive fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligent supervision/failure to warn.