Protesters descended on a Denver theater hosting a pair of Bill Cosby comedy performances on Saturday night, chanting “Turn back Cosby,” “Rape is not a joke,” in response to the numerous accusations of sexual assault by the embattled comedian.
Lively #Cosby protest in Colorado. This sign shot by our producer Marcus. #ACCESS
— Billy Bush (@billybush) Jan 17 2015
Protesters outside the Buell Theater are chanting “rape is not a joke” as people file into #BillCosby show.
— Noelle Phillips (@Noelle_Phillips) January 17, 2015
Approximately 100 protesters chanted and brandished signs outside Buell Theater, which was hosting two performances by Cosby on Saturday night, the Associated Press reported. “Don’t drink the water,” some chanted, referencing the claims that Cosby drugged his alleged victims’ drinks. A brass band joined people holding signs critical of Cosby. Attendees of the performances were waved down with metal detectors by security guards. Before the 8 p.m. MT showing, police officers took positions near protesters outside the theater. No arrests were reported.
Despite the hectic setting, hundreds of ticket-holders turned out for the performances. Cosby was met with a standing ovation and he thanked the audience, Reuters reported.
Bill Cosby security paying these guys to silence women #rape #Denver pic.twitter.com/Ogvia5Ows5
— Brandi Williams (@BrandiASN) January 18, 2015
Full security checks with metal detector wands going into #cosby at the Buell. pic.twitter.com/H47znPxE3B
— John Wenzel (@johnwenzel) January 17, 2015
Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred, who has been representing some of the women accusing Cosby, held a press conference before the shows with a Denver woman who said that Cosby sexually assaulted her in 1986, KUSA reported. Beth Ferrier, who was in her 20s at the time of the alleged incident, claimed Cosby drugged her coffee when he was visiting Denver, causing her to lose consciousness. She said she woke up “practically naked” in the back of her car. Ferrier had accused Cosby of assault before, in 2005 alleging that they had an affair in 1984, the Associated Press reported. Allred also led demonstration to the theater before the show.
Gloria Allred leads protesters to front door of Buell to confront #cosby attendees. Chants of “Turn Back Cosby!” pic.twitter.com/JBg01cCLDu
— John Wenzel (@johnwenzel) January 17, 2015
The 77-year-old entertainer had performed the previous night in Pueblo to little protest and before a packed audience.
Cosby has been accused of sexually assaulting dozens of women over a span of several decades. For years, allegations against Cosby went with little notice. But over the past year, more and more women have come forward accusing the entertainer of sexual misconduct.
The accusations against Cosby escalated in the past week, as model Chloe Goins filed criminal charges against the comedian, alleging he drugged and sexually abused her at the Playboy Mansion in 2008. Goins would be the first woman accusing Cosby of sexual assault whose case may fall within the statute of limitations, according to her attorney. Prior attempts to charge Cosby have been rejected, and Cosby has maintained his innocence.
Numerous Cosby performances have been cancelled or postponed as the controversy around him has grown.
Several of the shows that have not been cancelled have been interrupted by protests inside the venue and out, audience members at a Jan. 9 show in Canada shouting, “We believe the women!” Prior to his Colorado performances, Cosby issued a statement saying that the North American comedy tour would continue despite the backlash against him.
In addition to cancelled performances, institutions and media networks have cut ties with Cosby. On Friday, NBC announced that it would not work with him ever again.
