Bill Cosby Returns to Stage for First Time Since November; Phylicia Rashad Says Her Defense Was...

[Omaha Steve]

Source: E

by REBECCA MACATEE

Bill Cosby returned to the stage Wednesday night in Kitchener, Ontario—his first live performance since November.

Despite a small group of protesters outside the Center in the Square, Cosby "had a wonderful time," he told the audience. The 77-year-old comedian also issued a post-show statement to his fans, telling them, per NBC News, he wanted to "personally thank you for giving me the opportunity to bring laughter back into your lives tonight."

"Also, I would like to applaud all of you and give you a standing ovation for respecting yourselves, the theatre (Centre In The Square) and the event organizers that produced a spectacular show for the Kitchener Community," added Cosby.

Earlier in the day Wednesday, his former onscreen wife Phylicia Rashad defended the the Cosby Show patriarch against the number of abuse allegations made against him by multiple women in recent months, telling Showbiz 411 we were witnessing "the destruction of a legacy." The entertainment website also quoted Rashad as saying, "Forget these women," about Cosby's accusers. Rashad, however, says she was falsely quoted as saying this.

FULL story at link.


NEWS: Another Cosby Show star weighs in on alllegations of abuse made against Bill Cosby: http://www.eonline.com/news/611176/keshia-knight-pulliam-addresses-bill-cosby-sexual-assault-allegations-that-s-just-not-the-man-i-know


Read more: http://www.eonline.com/news/612423/bill-cosby-returns-to-stage-for-first-time-since-november-phylicia-rashad-says-her-defense-was-misquoted

[Frank Cannon]

1. Thank you, Dr. Cosby.

For reminding us all once again what a shockingly overbearing, insensitive douchebag you are.

[bettyellen]

2. he thanked the audience for "respecting themselves" what a slimy dog whistling swipe at all those

women he worked or socialized with and abused. He's trying to suggest they lack self respect- i.e. "deserved it.
Disgusting.
And Rashad is worried about the money from endless reruns of her show, and not much else. Forget her.

[merrily]

5. Concern about rerun revenues came to my mind for all the cast members who are

defending Cosby. It is quite possible for a rapist or any abuser to behave one way with his victims and a very different way with other people.

[Snow Leopard]

9. huh?

I think he meant for being respectful of everyone in the theatre by not being disruptive to the show. That is how I read it anyway.

[avaistheone1]

3. The venue was virtually empty!

Quite an entrance: Vintage photos of Cosby with Nelson Mandela adorned the stage before he came on.



People protest at the Centre In The Square venue where Bill Cosby performed Wednesday



Out in force: : Protesters gather outside Bill Cosby show on Wednesday night in Kitchener, Canada


I think if Cosby pasted pictures of himself with Jesus, I could find a way to believe him at this point.

[bettyellen]

7. Awesome pics, thanks!

[merrily]

4. Rashad said that her statement was this was about destruction of a legacy, not the women, adding

"What am I to say to these women whom I don't know?"

So, what does her correction mean, exactly? Practically speaking what is the huge difference in meaning and intent between what she was quoted as saying and her correction of the alleged misquotation?

[bettyellen]

8. What a selfish and ignorant clarification.... I'm sure Bill assured her they

Were just all gold digging sluts with no self respect- who deserved it. Not worth a thought, eh Ms Rashad? Fuck that, now I hope this fucks up your retirement plans.

[LiberalLovinLug]

6. As a Canadian I am appalled that he was allowed to continue with his show

But the venue said they couldn't do anything about it as it was booked way in advance.

What I don't get is why Cosby is even doing these shows. He must have more than enough money for himself and his families needs for generations. Why rub salt in the wounds by publicly strutting around inviting protests and controversy?

[Snow Leopard]

10. you shouldn't be appalled

free country, innocent until proven guilty and all that jazz. you have every right to be appalled with people that support the guy though.

I don't want other people determining what I can and can not hear/see in Canada. Too much of that happens already.