TORONTO – The promoter of Bill Cosby performances in Kitchener, London and Hamilton said in a press release Friday the shows will go on.
Chicago-based Innovation Arts and Entertainment (IAE) said it legally has to put on the shows if the performer is able to perform. And as of Friday morning, Cosby’s representatives said “he has every intent to perform these events.”
“While we understand and empathize this is a difficult time, we hope it is understood that both the venues and IAE are legally obligated to proceed as it applies to our commitments, and that we would face crippling legal obstacles for violation.”
The promoter and venues have been criticized recently for not cancelling the shows in light of allegations of sexual assault from more than a dozen women against Cosby.
Cosby has not been charged with any crimes and none of the allegations against him have been proven in court.
Cosby is scheduled to perform on Jan. 7 in Kitchener, Jan. 8 in London, and Jan. 9 in Hamilton.
Judd Apatow, the director of The 40-year-old Virgin and Knocked Up took to twitter on Boxing Day to criticize the venues.
The promoter’s press release also comes just days after the mayor of Hamilton issued a statement calling for a boycott of Cosby’s show in his city.
“Personally, I would not attend any of Mr. Cosby’s performances and believe that the people in this community are well equipped to make their own judgments and decide whether or not to attend this upcoming event,” Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger said in a statement, according to CBC.
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