Cosby Receives Standing Ovations At Melbourne Show
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MELBOURNE (CBSMiami/AP) – Bill Cosby took the stage in Florida on Friday, even as the controversy surrounding him grows.
The 77-year-old left a smile on almost every attendee at the 90-minute show.
"He was wonderful. He had everyone in the audience laughing," said Louise Jones.
Mandy Workman took it a step further and said, "Everybody did a standing ovation."
Cathy Matos and her husband bought their tickets the day they went on sale and could not wait for this day to arrive.
"I grew up and he grew up listening to Bill Cosby so besides the allegations, he just makes you laugh at common things," said Matos.
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But while the theater was packed, protesters lined up outside voicing their concerns about the recent allegations against Cosby.
"I think he needs to come out publicly and discuss it," said protestor Julie Lemaitre. "I find it a little incomprehensible that it's going on with business as usual."
In light of the allegations, the King Center received emails and phone calls from people who were upset that the comedian was still going to take the stage.
CBS News Radio correspondent Peter King got to go inside and take notes of the show.
Management was aware there might be interruptions. There were some police officers inside the theater, about three or four," said King.
The officers definitely weren't need inside according to King.
"There were two standing ovations. One at the very beginning about 40 seconds. One at the very end," he said.
While the show was a success, Angela Leslie is now the eighth woman to come forward alleging Cosby sexually assaulted her. She told NYDailyNews.com that Cosby ambushed her in a Las Vegas hotel in 1992. Like most of his other accusers, Leslie claimed Cosby drugged her before abusing her.
As more and more women keep coming out, more and more shows are being cancelled.
On Friday, officials at the Treasure Island hotel-casino on the Las Vegas strip said they've mutually agreed with the comedian to cancel his November 28th performance.
The Diamond Desert casino in Tucson, Arizona, announced they are canceling his February 15th show.
Two other appearances, scheduled for April in Champaign, Illinois, also were called off.
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