Protestors braved freezing temperatures to show their feelings about Bill Cosby
Comedian Bill Cosby received a standing ovation in Canada, at the end of his first live performance since November, despite protests outside the venue.
The Cosby Show star personally thanked fans “for giving me the opportunity to bring laughter back into your lives”.
He told the Ontario audience he had had “a wonderful time”.
The 77-year-old has been accused by at least 15 women of sexual assault dating back to the ’70s and ’80s. Three more victims came forward on Wednesday.
Cosby’s lawyer made no immediate response to the latest accusations. The star, who has not been charged, has denied previous claims, calling them “fantastical” and “uncorroborated”.
Protests
The comedian’s show in Kitchener, Ontario was the first of a three-date tour in Canada.
More than a dozen protestors gathered outside the Centre in the Square on Wednesday with placards stating ‘rape is no joke’. Some barred the entrance to the venue, before being asked to move by security.
The crowd outside the venue carried signs including ‘Rape is no joke’.
Some ticket-holders had said they would boycott the performance. The 2,000-seat venue was about two-thirds full.
Fans attending the show told reporters they were sceptical of the accusations: “Why are 20 women coming out now when it’s 20, 30 years ago?” said one.
“Innocent until proven guilty. I’m hoping it’s not true and until I know, otherwise I love him to death,” said another.
At the show: Micah Luxen, BBC News
The sweatshirt draped on his chair read Hello Friend. His oversized shirt read the same. He was the Bill Cosby the crowd knew from decades of feel good entertainment. He made faces, and jokes that were laugh-out-loud funny – talking …read more
Source:: BBC Entertainment
