Bill Cosby Still Has ‘Every Intent’ to Perform at Canadian Gigs
Bill Cosby is refusing to let his ongoing sex assault scandal derail his first stand-up gigs of 2015 after representatives declared he has “every intent” to honor his commitments in Canada.
The Cosby Show star has faced a backlash from fans and critics alike for the past two months after more than 20 women, including models Beverly Johnson and Janice Dickinson, went public with stories of his reportedly inappropriate behavior over the years, with some alleged victims claiming they were drugged and raped.
The 77-year-old’s attorney has repeatedly slammed the accusations, which prompted a number of U.S. promoters to pull shows on his comedy tour late last year, but the funnyman’s representatives have made it clear there will be legal implications if organizers behind his upcoming Canadian gigs decide to scrap the contracted dates.
In a statement released on Friday, a spokesperson for Innovation Arts & Entertainment revealed, “As recently as this morning, IAE has been informed by Mr. Cosby’s representatives that he has every intent to perform these events.”
The press release went on to note that although bosses are aware the decision is unpopular, “We would face crippling legal obstacles for violation (if they canceled the dates).”
The news emerges a week after director Judd Apatow targeted Canadian venue executives on Twitter and publicly criticized them for allowing Cosby’s tour to go ahead as planned in light of the mounting allegations.
Cosby, who has never been formally charged, is due to hit the stage at three venues in Ontario from Wednesday until Friday.
Women’s rights protesters are planning to hold demonstrations outside the venues, as they have at previous shows on the troubled tour.
Photo Credit:Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com
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