January 1, Disgraced Comedian Considering Comeback Tour

Bill Cosby may be back in the comedy circuit in 2023, despite facing new sexual assault and abuse lawsuits brought by five women.

Earlier this week, Cosby hinted at a return to touring in 2023 during an interview with Scott Spears’s WGH Talk radio show.

“Yes. Yes because there’s so much fun to be had in this storytelling that I do. Years ago, maybe 10 years ago, I found it was better to say it after I write it,” Cosby told the host.

Cosby was convicted on sexual assault charges in 2018, but was freed after serving just two years of his sentence after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction in June 2021.

The court ruled that a “non-prosecution agreement” that Cosby made with a previous prosecutor should have prevented him from being charged.

Cosby, 85, last toured in 2015, with his performances drawing protests and cancellations after more than 50 women came forward with sexual assault allegations against the former TV star.

Cosby’s publicist, Andrew Wyatt, confirmed in an email to The Hollywood Reporter that his client was indeed considering a return to stand-up comedy in the new year.

“We’re looking at getting back out here around Spring/Summer of 2023,” Wyatt wrote.

News of the potential comedy tour came just weeks after five women — actresses Lili Bernard and Eden Tirl who were on “The Cosby Show,” as well as Jewel Gittens, Jennifer Thompson, and Cindra Ladd — accused Cosby of assault, battery, and infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment.

All five women had previously come forward with the allegations, but the new civil suit was filed under the newly-enacted New York law, the Adult Survivors Act. The law gives survivors of sexual abuse a one-year window to sue even if the statute of limitations has expired.

Cosby has denied the new allegations.

“As we have always stated, and now America can see, this isn’t about justice for victims of alleged sexual assault; it’s ALL ABOUT MONEY,” Wyatt told Entertainment Weekly in a statement. “We believe that the courts, as well as the court of public opinion, will follow the rules of law and relieve Mr. Cosby of these alleged accusations. Mr. Cosby continues to vehemently deny all allegations waged against him and looks forward to defending himself in court.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter | Entertainment Weekly