WASHINGTON • Comedienne Amy Schumer (above), who has put women's issues and causes at the centre of her comedy, found herself in the midst of an online firestorm in a debate concerning comedy and sexual assault.

This particular case concerned comedian Kurt Metzger, who has written for and appeared on her Emmy-winning sketch series Inside Amy Schumer. On Sunday, he published a post on his Facebook page that appeared to be in support of another performer who said he had been barred from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre following allegations that he had raped or sexually assaulted women.

Metzger, 39, wrote sarcastically that he had "just heard some disturbing news" about a rapist, implying that it was true "because women said it and that's all I need".

His post continued: "Never you mind who they are. They are women! ALL women are as reliable as my bible (sic)! A book that, much like a women (sic), is incapable of lying!"

Some viewers of Schumer's show say they have tried for years to call her attention to his history of making provocative comments about rape and sexual assault in interviews and his acknowledgment that he was violent to a girlfriend.

Schumer, 35, is being accused by some fans of ignoring his comments. On Wednesday, she attempted to distance herself from him. On Twitter, she wrote: "I am so saddened and disappointed in Kurt Metzger. He is my friend and a great writer and I couldn't be more against his recent actions."

But she added in another Twitter post: "Kurt does not work for me. He is not a writer on my show. Please stop asking me about it. His words are not mine."

WASHINGTON POST, NEW YORK TIMES