‘You’ Star Chris D’Elia’s Sexual Misconduct Scandal: What to Remember

Back in June 2020, comedian Chris D’Elia found himself in the midst of controversy after several individuals accused him of engaging in sexual misconduct. The matter was originally sparked after Twitter user Simone Rossi penned a thread in which she accused the You star of taking part in an inappropriate conversation with her when she was underage. Since it has been some time since the scandal first emerged, here’s what you need to remember about the controversy.

On Twitter, Rossi posted several tweets that appear to showcase a conversation between herself and D’Elia dating back to 2014. Rossi, who indicated that she was 16 years old at the time, alleged that she was “being groomed by a stand-up comedian” who was twice her age. Following the release of her Twitter thread, several other individuals, some of whom chose to be anonymous, alleged that D’Elia had engaged in similar behavior with them. In regards to these claims, D’Elia denied any wrongdoing and told TMZ all of his relationships have been “both legal and consensual.”

While D’Elia has since denied any wrongdoing, Rossi’s tweets opened up the floodgates for others to come forward with their own accusations against the You star. So, what do you need to remember about these allegations?

Who Is Chris D’Elia?

D’Elia is a comedian and actor who has appeared in a number of projects over the years including Whitney, Undateable, and The Good Doctor. He most recently had a recurring role on Netflix’s You, which stars Penn Badgley. 

When Did The Allegations Emerge?

As previously stated, Rossi came forward with her accusations against D’Elia on Tuesday. On Twitter, she penned a lengthy thread that contained screenshots of an inappropriate conversation that appeared to have taken place between herself and the comedian. In her thread, Rossi indicated that she was 16 years old in 2014, which is when this conversation was said to have taken place. Rossi began her thread by writing that she felt as though it was ironic that D’Elia was cast in You given her allegations. 

The Allegations

Rossi alleged that D’Elia engaged in an inappropriate conversation with her while she was underage. She claimed that the comedian asked her for a “pic” and that he asked to “make out” with her at one point. Rossi claimed that the two never met up in person because she got a boyfriend her own age. She went on to write that she came forward with these accusations over concerns that he could still be doing it (again, it should be noted that D’Elia has denied any wrongdoing on his end). 

Others Accuse D’Elia Of Misconduct

In response to Rossi’s Twitter thread, others accused D’Elia of engaging in similar behavior with them, some of whom claimed that they were just younger than the actor while others claimed that they were underage at the time. 

D’Elia’s Response

On Wednesday, D’Elia responded to these allegations: “I know I have said and done things that might have offended people during my career, but I have never knowingly pursued any underage women at any point. […] All of my relationships have been both legal and consensual and I have never met or exchanged any inappropriate photos with the people who have tweeted about me.”

While he denied these accusations, D’Elia did finish his statement by expressing that he will do better in the future. He added, “That being said, I really am truly sorry. I was a dumb guy who ABSOLUTELY let myself get caught up in my lifestyle. That’s MY fault. I own it. I’ve been reflecting on this for some time now and I promise I will continue to do better.”

D’Elia’s Latest Statement

Several months after the allegations emerged, D’Elia published a YouTube video in late February in which he, once again, addressed the matter. In the video, he acknowledged that it’s been some time “since you’ve heard from me” and noted that he took time to reflect on the situation. He claimed, “I do know how it looks with all the stuff that’s been said. I know it looks bad, and it doesn’t show the full scope of what happened.” D’Elia went on to claim, “I stand by the fact that all my relationships have been consensual and legal. That’s the truth.”

Reactions

In light of these allegations, many users have flocked to Twitter to weigh in on the situation, and they didn’t hold back their thoughts about the matter.