Bill Cosby plans to perform despite protests

Jan 3, 2015

Billy Cosby has three shows in Canada next week, and despite planned protests and public outcry, the comedian’s representatives insist that they have “every intent” of moving forward with the shows.

The venues have already been booked, and they and Chicago-based Innovation Arts & Entertainment cannot back out, or they “would face crippling legal obstacles for violation.”

Despite immense backlash against the comedian after 15 women have come forward alleging rape, Cosby intends to move forward with the events, which will be held at the Centre in the Square in Kitchener, Ontario, on Jan. 7; at the Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, on Jan. 8; and at Hamilton Place Theatre in Hamilton, Ontario, on Jan. 9.

Of the planned protests, Innovations Arts & Entertainment says, “While it is disappointing for the need to worry about the theater being a place for planned protests, we are fully prepared to protect our audience.”

Megan Walker, London Abused Women’s Centre executive director, says that there is no need to worry over the protests. “There’s an implication that somehow a peaceful protest is going to become violent when the violence we’re concerned about is the violence that the women have alleged against Mr. Cosby,” she said.