Bill Cosby Coming To Baltimore Amid Sex Assault Allegations
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Under fire for sexual assault accusations from more than a dozen women, longtime comedian and television star Bill Cosby is coming to Baltimore. He has a message for fans in Maryland.
Rick Ritter has more on the show.
Since his accusers came forward, Cosby has canceled more than a dozen of his standup shows. But despite the heavy allegations, he is set to perform in Baltimore at the Lyric Opera House on Friday night.
Looking off camera while appearing to be upbeat, a message from Bill Cosby himself for his Baltimore fans:
"Bill Cosby here. Lyric Opera House. March 27. Baltimore, Maryland. I will be there to talk to you, make you laugh, make you smile, and hopefully you talk about it on the way home. Eight p.m. sharp."
But there is no mention of the allegations against him.
The longtime TV star and standup comedian's image has been rocked, with more than two dozen women accusing Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting them--beginning in the 1970s.
Since, the red carpet has been rolled up, with Cosby canceling some appearances on his standup comedy tour--and demonstrators protesting others.
"I just think he shouldn't be performing and I don't think people should come to see him," said one demonstrator.
A handful of his accusers claim they were drugged, saying they're now traumatized.
"I cannot tell you how horrific of a feeling that is," said Beth Ferrier, alleged victim.
Cosby's team has denied all accusations against the 77-year-old. Many go back decades and fall outside the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution.
"I think it's very difficult when you are young and inexperienced to come forward and report against somebody who has a lot of power and authority," said Janice Miller, House of Ruth Maryland.
Miller weighs in on the challenges for victims.
"They go through a process where they have to fully understand what happened to them and the consequences of coming forward," she said.
Outside the Lyric Opera House Tuesday, there were advertisements on display for other shows this weekend--but not Cosby's.
The 77-year-old has said he's far from finished with standup comedy.
Cosby denies all allegations and has not been criminally charged.
Cosby has another show scheduled for this weekend in Charleston, West Virginia.
