Cosby Supporters Butt Heads With Protestors At The Lyric
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Despite allegations that he drugged and raped dozens of women, embattled entertainer Bill Cosby brought his live show to Baltimore Friday night.
WJZ was there at the Lyric Opera House, and so were protestors.
Derek Valcourt has more on the anger and the support for Cosby.
At times, tempers flared outside the theatre as Cosby supporters butted heads with protestors.
A WJZ camera was there as Bill Cosby walked on stage at the Lyric to loud applause, but we were quickly asked to leave before Cosby began speaking. The comedian was reportedly heckled briefly during the show.
Outside the theatre, protestors shouted at the people going to see Cosby perform.
Sex assault victims advocates outraged that more than three dozen women have now accused Cosby of drugging and raping them.
Many of the cases fall outside of the statute of limitations and date back to the 1970s.
"You know, put your money where your mouth is. If you're paying for something like this, you're saying that you're on his side," said Katherine Bruce, protestor.
"How you spend your money reflects who you are as a person," said protestor Rachel Perry-Crook.
But ticket holding Cosby supporters were just as passionate. Some say they are skeptical of Cosby's accusers and feel he's being treated unfairly.
"It's hard to believe that you have a circle of people and no one knew what was going on until 50 years later," said one Cosby supporter.
"How come it comes out now... 40 years later? I don't understand it. No. To me, I think it's not true," said another.
"There was an agenda here, and they're just not owning up to it," another supporter said.
A few in attendance at The Lyric say they came even through they think Cosby may be guilty.
"I can't believe he's still on tour. I just can't believe it. But I want to see it. It's like a train wreck. People can't look away," said William Runkle.
For its part, The Lyric said it was honoring its contract with the promoter who booked Cosby well over a year ago.
This won't be Cosby's last show. He still has several more scheduled performances on his comedy tour.
The Lyric Opera House seats about 2,500 people. Cosby's show was nowhere near sold out.