Bill Cosby Scandal Causes London Mayor to Show Concern Ahead of Tour as Protests Already Being Planned
Bill Cosby has drawn the ire of some residents of London ahead of performances there that have the city's mayor speaking up.
While the comedian is scheduled to perform in London's Budweiser Gardens on Jan. 8, The London Abused Women's Centre and other locals have insisted that they will protest the event with a demonstration during the comedian's performance.
Megan Walker, executive director of The London Abused Women's Centre, spoke to London's CTV News about the protest.
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"We will be out in huge numbers protesting with signs and banners and making lots of noise," she said.
The 77-year-old comedian who became popular in the 1970s and 1980s and starred on the family sitcom "The Cosby Show," has recently been the subject of media scrutiny due to the rising number of allegations brought against him. Over 20 women have come forth alleging that Cosby sexually assaulted and drugged them years ago.
While it is up to the promoter to keep Cosby on the bill and the event running, London Mayor Matt Brown released a statement about the ordeal that has his constituents up in arms.
"I understand that many people across our community and across North America have strong concerns about the performance at Budweiser Gardens," Brown said in a statement obtained by CTV. "I share those concerns. I have looked into it and learned, as is the case with several other entertainment venues in Ontario, the promoter or operator is responsible for its contracts with those scheduled to perform and only they can cancel a show."
Cosby has upcoming overseas tour dates next month in Ontario, Kitchener, London and Hamilton. Cosby's wife, Camille, defended her husband amid scandalous claims last month.
"A different man has been portrayed in the media over the last two months. It is the portrait of a man I do not know," she said in a recent statement. "It is also a portrait painted by individuals and organizations whom many in the media have given a pass. The man I met, and fell in love with, and whom I continue to love, is the man you all knew through his work."
