|
 The star of NBC hit 1980s family sitcom "The Cosby Show" denies
the allegations, many of which are decades old and fall outside the
statute of limitations for criminal or civil cases. His lawyer has
called the claims "discredited" and "defamatory." Cosby has never
been charged over any of the allegations. He settled a 2005 civil
suit alleging sexual misconduct.
Outside the Buell Theatre in downtown Denver, about 40 protesters
chanted "No more jokes!" and some pointed and shouted "Shame on
you!" and "Rape supporters!" at ticket holders as they lined up to
get in for the first of two shows.
"I came out to be a voice ... These victims aren't coming forward
because they're scared," said Steevy Griffin, a 28-year-old
marketing manager for a technology company in Boulder who waved a
homemade placard that read: "We believe the women."
 "We're here to let them know that we support them," she said, as a
passing motorist honked in support.
Several performances on the 77-year-old Cosby's stand-up tour have
been canceled. In a statement issued by his publicists on Friday,
the comic had praised his "courageous" fans who planned to go to
Saturday's shows in Denver.
His performance, for which he wore a gray hoodie with the words
"Hello Friend" on the chest, made no mention of the allegations, and
instead stuck to less controversial topics such as the dynamics in a
long marriage, becoming forgetful in old age, and kids' birthday
parties.
He received a standing ovation at the beginning and end.
[to top of second column] |
"It was an awesome show," said Teresa James, who attended with her
husband. "He's innocent until proven guilty."
The comedian, best-known as lovable dad Dr. Cliff Huxtable on "The
Cosby Show," has had two television projects shelved and several
live gigs canceled since the allegations surfaced.
Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, who represents some of the women
involved, said in Denver on Saturday that more were coming forward,
but that others remained scared.
"You're talking about someone rich, powerful and famous ... they
didn't think they'd be believed," Allred said.
(Reporting by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Frances Kerry)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
