The comedian that found pieces of empty shrimp tails in his box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal has become the center of a scandal. Former girlfriends have come forward and accused him of manipulation and abusive behavior.
Los Angeles-based comedian and writer Jensen Karp had been reveling in his new fame following his posts about finding sugar-coated shrimp tails in his cereal. Karp has posted updates about talks with General Mills.
Over this past weekend some former girlfriends came forward with accusations. Karp's former co-workers have also joined the conversations and accused the comedian of stealing ideas and inappropriate behavior.
"'What you may not know about the man behind the viral posts (is that he is a) manipulative, gaslighting, narcissistic ex-boyfriend who once told me he was surprised I hadn't killed myself because my life was so worthless," Melissa Stetten posted on social media.
Stetten worked with Karp on a documentary and on the Bachelor podcast. She said Karp's behavior had sent a number of people to therapy. Other women soon began tweeting about their experience with Karp. Actor Rory Uphold said in a post that Karp was the "most abusive person" she had ever been with.
Another former girlfriend said on social media that Karp was "verbally abusive" and a "manipulator." Another woman said that Karp had ruined her life.
The series of accusations have since cast doubt on the legitimacy of Karp's cereal story. His industry colleagues began to question his claims, with some accusing Karp of making up the story.
Another comedian said Karp had stolen and copied a show which he then spun as his own. Karp responded to the accusations saying he was telling the truth about the cereal.
"I have a career outside of being the stupid shrimp guy that would be on the line as you know, including being an Emmy-nominated writer. I wouldn't do this. That's very annoying and I don't want to be part of that," Karp said.
