Casino cancels Bill Cosby show as rape allegations garner attention

Posted Nov 20, 2014

Dylan Smith
TucsonSentinel.com

U.S. Navy photoCosby in 2006.

Following questions raised by TucsonSentinel.com about whether a performance by Bill Cosby would be held as scheduled, Desert Diamond Casino said that the Feb. 15 show has been cancelled.

Allegations by multiple women that Cosby sexually assaulted them, including statements that he drugged and molested or raped some, have gained increasing attention over the past week. Several of the women have said for years that Cosby raped them, but a segment of a performance by comedian Hannibal Buress drew renewed attention to the allegations.

The entertainers recent high profile, with an extensive "Bill Cosby 77" tour and projects in the works with NBC and and a comedy special slated for Netflix, played into the attention given to the accusations. Netflix has put off the special, and NBC cancelled plans to develop a primetime program with the comedian.

Cosby has refused to comment on the charges.

"We don't answer that," he told an Associated Press reporter.

Thursday morning, the Sentinel asked PR representatives for the casino if the February show would remain on the calendar. While they didn't reply directly, a short afternoon press release announced that the show was cancelled.

Tickets for the show went on sale just last Saturday.

"We regret any inconvenience to our guests over this cancellation," said Treena Parvello, a spokeswoman for the casino. Casino representatives didn't give a reason for calling off the show.

Ticketholders who paid with a credit card will be automatically refunded, while those who paid cash can get a full refund in person at the casino.

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news, crime & safety, family/life, local, arizona, arts & culture, entertainment, celebs/pop culture, todo, breaking,

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Casino cancels Bill Cosby show as rape allegations garner attention

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