As the saying goes, the show must go on. How does Bill Cosby feel about this? He absolutely agrees. Bill Cosby will still put on his show in Canada on Wednesday, and he's promising one big show at the Centre in the Square theater in Kitchener, Ontario, which will be his first performance since November 2014. As he told The London Free Press in a statement, "I plan to give fans the show of their life."
What does that entail? I have no idea, but if the show does indeed go on, there's no doubt we'll hear about it. With that said, I can't help but wonder if Cosby will address the sexual assault claims filed against him or somehow incorporate it into his show. There's also a chance he will make a joke out of it all, which would be in horrible taste. But there's still that major question hanging in the air: Will he?
Seeing as Cosby has rarely talked about the allegations (it's been like pulling teeth to get any type of comment from him at all), I have a hard time believing he'd discuss it on stage in front of an audience. If he can barely release a statement to the press, why would he do it live in front of so many people (depending on how many people actually attend his show)? However, he might find this to be the perfect platform to stand up for himself and the allegations that have ruined the man many of us once loved and adored. It really could go either way, especially since he's promising "fans the show of their life."
As I stated above, if Cosby does decide to make light of the allegations, it's a bad idea. Not only will he come under even more fire, but it'd be disgusting for him to make fun of this serious situation. Yes, as some say, these women are "accusers" and nothing has officially been proven, but that doesn't mean sexual assault should be taken lightly. True or not, rape and taking advantage of women is not a laughing matter. It's something we too often overlook or push to the side, and if Cosby decides to take the stage and joke about it, well that's just sad and proves what type of man he really is.
Cosby's show tonight is the first of three stops for him in Canada. Other shows are at the Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario on Thursday and at the Hamilton Place Theatre in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday. Will he continue to take the stage at these other locations? It will probably all be based on Wednesday night's performance, and if protesters don't get out of hand causing alarm. For Wednesday's performance, 130 protesters are expected to show up, and Cosby has some words of advice for show attendees:
Remain calm and do not confront the person making the disruption.
Private security is already in place, but two paid duty officers will also assist. Protests are also expected at Budweiser Gardens, and there have been other reports of ticketholders attending as intent to cause a ruckus inside the venue. Megan Walker, the head of the London Abused Women's Centre, is a part of Thursday's protest, but isn't seeking violence. She said,
I can certainly tell you there's no need to be concerned about protesters either in or outside. This is a peaceful protest. We aren't targeting him. We are just saying we stand with women.
More and more accusers continue stepping forward. In fact, three more Cosby accusers said to be speaking out Wednesday afternoon with Gloria Allred by their sides.
Cosby doesn't seem like someone who's going to back down or let any type of allegations stop him from performing and making money. Let's face it: he's not letting it stop his show tonight.
His official statement regarding the allegations hasn't changed. As he said originally via his lawyer: “Over the last several weeks, decade-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have resurfaced. The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment. He would like to thank all his fans for the outpouring of support and assure them that, at age 77, he is doing his best work. There will be no further statement from Mr. Cosby or any of his representatives.”
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