Representatives for an abused women's centre in London, Ont. are warning that they’re planning a large protest if Bill Cosby's upcoming performance in the city isn't cancelled.
Cosby is pressing ahead with a six-month long comedy tour, amid mounting allegations of rape and sexual assault.
In the last month, more than a dozen women have accused Cosby of sexually abusing them, often after drugging them. Just this week, a California woman filed a sexual battery lawsuit against Cosby, claiming he molested her in the Playboy Mansion when she was 15 years old.
Cosby is scheduled to appear at the Centre In The Square in Kitchener on Jan. 7, at the Budweiser Gardens in London on Jan. 8, and the Hamilton Place Theatre on Jan. 9.
Though some venues in the U.S. are choosing to scrub their shows, Budweiser Gardens says it will not cancel the performance, nor offer refunds.
Megan Walker, the executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, told CTV News Channel Thursday she remains "very concerned" about Cosby coming to London.
She says the corporation of the city of London, which owns Budweiser Gardens, has been internationally recognized for its work in ending violence against women, "so it's entirely inappropriate in our view and not consistent with our views in London to have Bill Cosby come."
Walker says her centre has received dozens of emails and phone calls from residents who are angry that show is still slated to go ahead. She says her group is working with Unifor Local 27 to organize an email campaign to the general manager of Budweiser Gardens. If that doesn't work, they will hold a demonstration in front of the theatre on the night of Cosby's performance.
"If this does move forward, we have planned for a large protest in front of Budweiser Gardens when Mr. Cosby is here," she said.
Walker noted that it's true that Cosby has neither been charged nor convicted of any crimes. But she says that in the court of public opinion, the tide has turned against the once-beloved comedian.
"Given the huge number of women now who have come forward… I think we need to take that evidence and support women and believe their stories," she said.
Walker added that she knows from experience how hard it is for women to come forward and try to press charges in sexual abuse cases.
"So I'm not surprised women are not going to the police," she said. "But I think these brave and courageous women who have come forward need to be respected and valued."
