Protests planned for Cosby shows

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Despite opposition from local politicians and activists, all three of Bill Cosby’s shows in Ontario this week are expected to go on, including one in Hamilton. The comedian is facing a slew of sexual assault allegations dating back several decades. But no criminal charges have been laid.

Cosby is set to perform in Kitchener tomorrow, London on Thursday and here at Hamilton Place on Friday. Groups in all three cities are planning protests both outside and inside the venues. And Tuesday, Cosby has a message for fans attending his shows.

Anne Bokma is organizing a Cosby protest: “We want him to see and hear us we want to stand for the women he has victimized.”

But Bill Cosby doesn’t want to hear them. He’s warning his fans to remain calm. As protesters plan to disrupt the three shows he has scheduled in Ontario this week including one at Hamilton Place.

In a statement Cosby says: “Do not confront the person making the disruption”

Anne Bokma is planning on making a disruption. She’s organized a group of protesters to be inside Hamilton Place on Friday for Cosby’s show: “We’ve had front row seats donated by lifelong Cosby fans we’ve had a block of tickets that a family has bought for their 90-year old grandmothers birthday donated. I think he’s underestimating the fact that there’s not going to be as many fans there as he thinks they will be.”

At least 10 of Cosby’s shows have been cancelled or postponed. But appearances in Kitchener, London and here in Hamilton seem set to go ahead despite local opposition.”

“I am looking forward to going to the show except for all this business with the possible demonstrations and people causing a problem inside.”

Nearly two dozen women have come forward with claims Cosby sexually assaulted them decades ago.

“It might have made me think twice about ordering tickets in the first place but he is a legend and quite frankly he hasn’t been charged yet.”

Premier Kathleen Wynne says she plans to boycott the shows: “There are very serious allegations against this man and certainly until those are sorted out I would not go to a performance.”

And Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger also said publicly that he won’t attend either.

The Ontario venues where Bill Cosby will be performing this week say they have contractual obligations to allow the shows to go on.

Hamilton police say they are aware of these plans to protest.

A spokesperson for Hamilton Place as well as the venue in London says they will have additional security on standby and anyone causing a disruption will be asked to leave.