'We believe the women': Protests disrupt Cosby's shows in Canada

Bill Cosby called for calm, saying he and his fans “hold no enemies” after protesters disrupted the final performance of his three-city Canadian tour on Friday night. Demonstrators chanting “we believe the women,” a reference to the sexual abuse allegations levelled against the embattled comedian, stood up about 15 minutes into Cosby’s comedic routine in Hamilton. They waved signs, blew whistles and walked out of his performance. The protesters, made up of a mix of men and women who had been seated at various points in the theatre, were escorted out by police. One man called Cosby “a piece of sh*t” as he left the venue. As the audience started to react — some responding to the chants with their own of “we believe the men” — Cosby asked them to keep their cool.

They’ve had their say and we can calmly let them out. Now, if I may.

Bill Cosby

The walk-out during Friday’s show came a day after a man at Cosby’s performance in London, Ontario called the comedian “a rapist”. Cosby is facing growing sexual assault allegations, with some claims dating back decades, though he has denied the allegations through his lawyer and has never been charged. At the end of Friday’s performance, which had been punctuated with frequent laughter and applause from the audience, Cosby made another reference to those who have been voicing their opposition against him. His parting words were greeted with a standing ovation — his third in three consecutive nights.

Let us take what we had tonight as a wonderful time and we hold no enemies anywhere. You maintained your calm. Two years from now we may all be in this hall together to celebrate the gift that is laughter.

Bill Cosby

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