WATCH: On Bill Cosby’s last stop of his Ontario tour, organized hecklers interrupted the show while protesters outside clashed with supporters. Peter Kim reports.
HAMILTON – Bill Cosby had to once again call for calm as a number of hecklers stood up and launched into a chant during the embattled comedian’s final performance of a Canadian tour Friday night.
Repeatedly saying “we believe the women,” the hecklers walked out of Cosby’s show, as the 77-year-old asked his audience not to react.
“Stop. Stop,” Cosby said as some members of the audience started to berate the hecklers.
“They’ve had their say and we can calmly let them out. Now, if I may.”
Cosby was met with a round of applause before he went on with his routine.
Cosby is facing growing sexual assault allegations, with some claims dating back decades. He has denied the allegations through his lawyer and has never been charged.
WATCH: Raw video shot from inside the theatre in Hamilton captures protesters and hecklers yelling “we believe the women” at Bill Cosby.
The walk-out during Friday’s show came a day after a man at Cosby’s performance in London, Ont., called the comedian “a rapist.”
It also took place just minutes after Cosby acknowledged the controversy that has followed him throughout his three-city Canadian tour.
“Whatever happens here tonight if there’s some sort of outburst, we just have to remain calm and things will be taken care of. It oughtn’t last that long,” he said.
“I want to thank all of you here tonight because you stayed with what you believed in.”
An announcement at the start of the Hamilton show warned the audience there might be attempts to disrupt the show and urged ticket holders to remain calm until the matter “is resolved.”
Security at the venue was tight– bags were searched and police officers and private security guards were posted along the aisles of the theatre.
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“He’s innocent until proven guilty,” said Wendy Burn, who hoped to enjoy the show. “He’s entitled to make living, same as any other innocent person.”
Burn said she had no problem with protesters who had gathered outside the venue hoisting signs and chanting their opposition against Cosby, but didn’t want any disruptions inside the theatre.
“If they’re out here I respect their right to protest, they have just as many rights as we do,” she said. “I admire them for that, but don’t come into the theatre, don’t come in and disrupt the show. We have the right to enjoy the show ourselves.”
Kathryn Baker-Reed, who was among the group of protesters, said it was important for Hamilton to send a message to Cosby, and to the women who had accused him of sexual abuse.
“We need to listen to the survivors of violence,” she said.
“While the allegations against Bill Cosby have certainly not been proven in a court of law, these women have been trying to have their voices heard for a long time. This a way for us as community members to say that we’re listening, we’re paying attention and we’re really hoping that due process is provided.”
Cosby is facing a slew of sexual assault allegations from at least 18 women in recent weeks – with some claims dating back decades.
He has never been criminally charged in connection with the allegations and has denied them through his lawyer.
At one point during his show in London, Cosby even appeared to make light of the controversy he faces.
When a woman got up from one of the front rows and walked past the stage, Cosby asked her where she was going.
When she said she was going to the lobby to grab a drink, Cosby said “you have to be careful about drinking around me.”
Cosby received standing ovations from his audiences in London on Thursday and in Kitchener, Ont., on Wednesday.
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