Cosby takes stage in US despite protests

Protests have been staged in Denver, where US comedian Bill Cosby is performing two shows.

Protestors Demonstrate Outside Of Bill Cosby's Comedy Shows In Denver, Colorado

Protestors demonstrate outside of Bill Cosby's comedy show January 17, 2015 at the Buell Theater in Denver, Colorado. (Getty)

About 100 people chanting "Rape is not a joke!" and "No means no!" have protested outside a Denver theatre before embattled comedian Bill Cosby took to the stage.

Shortly before Saturday's show at the Buell Theatre, one woman held a news conference at a hotel in the city to accuse him of sexually assaulting her in 1986.

Beth Ferrier said Cosby put drugs in her coffee when she went to see one of his shows in Denver. She said the next thing she remembered was waking up hours later in the back of her car "practically naked."

Ferrier has previously said she was assaulted by Cosby. Ferrier went public on June 23, 2005, alleging that as a model in New York in 1984, she met Cosby and they had a brief affair.

The 77-year-old comedian is facing sexual assault accusations from at least 15 women, with some of the claims dating back decades. He has denied the allegations through his lawyer and has never been charged with a crime.

Cosby is slated for two shows in Denver.

On Friday, Cosby performed at a packed show in Pueblo. About 25 demonstrators gathered outside that show, chanting "no means no" and "Colorado believes the women."

But inside the venue, the crowd warmly welcomed Cosby. Making his first appearance in Pueblo since a 1996 show at the Colorado State Fair, he was embraced by a mostly middle aged and older crowd.

On Thursday, Cosby released a statement thanking his fans and saying he's ready to perform in Colorado.

"I have thousands of loyal, patient and courageous fans that are going to leave their homes to enjoy an evening of laughter and return home feeling wonderful," he said. "I'm ready!"

He finished his statement with references to his "Fat Albert" character's trademark line and to his 2013 television special - "Hey, Hey, Hey - I'm Far From Finished."

Cosby is scheduled to continue his tour on Sunday in Turlock, California.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world