Monday night in Manhattan’s Upper West Side was alive with excitement as fans and photographers lined the streets outside Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
The buzz wasn’t just about a new film release — it was about seeing one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars in person.
Keanu Reeves, the actor whose career spans decades from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure to his latest role as a bearded angel in Good Fortune, drew a crowd like no other.
Accompanied by long-term partner Alexandra Grant, Reeves charmed fans with his trademark humility, greeting admirers and posing for photos on the red carpet.
His reputation as one of the nicest men in Hollywood remains untarnished, a stark contrast to the controversies swirling around his co-star, Aziz Ansari.
Aziz Ansari’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
While Reeves commanded attention, Ansari was notably missing from the premiere.
The comedian, who makes his directorial debut with Good Fortune, has been navigating a more complicated public image.
Ansari has faced scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct and recent criticism for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, a country with a widely condemned human rights record.
The Saudi festival, which featured American comics like Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, and Louis C.K., as well as British acts Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall, drew heavy criticism for allegedly helping the country “whitewash” its image.
Ansari defended his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, saying he performed to foster dialogue and engagement rather than isolation, noting his personal connection as someone from a Muslim background.
Controversy Over Human Rights and Donations
Ansari also pledged to donate part of his festival fee to Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders.
However, the organizations declined his contributions, emphasizing their commitment to independence and objectivity.
Human Rights Watch called on performers instead to advocate for the release of detained Saudi activists and promote free speech.
Joey Shea, a researcher focused on Saudi Arabia, stressed that high-profile performers had a platform to speak out against injustices, while Arvind Ganesan, overseeing HRW’s fundraising policies, noted the organization cannot accept funding tied to the Saudi government.
The 2017 Allegations That Shaped His Career
Ansari’s public image has long been shaped by allegations of sexual misconduct from 2017.
A woman, speaking anonymously, accused him of pressuring her into sexual activity in his Manhattan apartment despite clear verbal and nonverbal cues that she was uncomfortable.
She detailed a night that left her feeling violated and powerless, describing repeated unwanted advances and coercive behavior.
Despite these allegations, Ansari has addressed the incident publicly, expressing regret over the woman’s experience and stating that it gave him perspective on consent, personal boundaries, and being thoughtful in intimate situations.
Reflections and Redemption on Stage
In the years since, Ansari has attempted to rebuild his career and reflect on his past.
During a pop-up show at New York’s Village Underground, he openly discussed the lessons he learned and the importance of ensuring others’ comfort.
“It made me think about a lot, and I hope I’ve become a better person,” he said, acknowledging that the experience shaped his outlook on life and performance.
He also expressed gratitude to audiences for their support, noting that when people attend his shows, wait in line, and follow protocols, it deepens his appreciation for their presence.
Premiere Night and Future Prospects
As Reeves basked in fan admiration and Ansari quietly maneuvered behind the scenes, Good Fortune prepares for release.
For Ansari, who now steps fully into a director’s chair, the premiere marks a crucial moment in his career revival.
Only time will tell if his efforts to navigate past controversies and leverage his talent will resonate with audiences or continue to stir debate.