Bill Cosby eyes stand-up comedy tour amid new abuse allegations

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Bill Cosby was one of the most famous comedians and actors in the US for decades. But after dozens of rape and assault allegations, he finally landed in jail in 2018. Three years later, he was released. Now, he wants to go on tour again despite new abuse allegations.

Bill Cosby may be making a return to the stage in 2023.
Bill Cosby may be making a return to the stage in 2023.  © IMAGO / UPI Photo

At the age of 85, the highly controversial comedian wants to try his hand on stage again. Per Variety, when Cosby was asked if he would go on tour in 2023 on the WGH Talk radio show, he answered "yes."

"When I come out here, I feel like I'm going to be able to perform and be the Bill Cosby that my audience knows me as," the actor and comedian told host Scott Spears.

Cosby explained that performing gives him much joy, and his agent also confirmed that he is targeting a tour starting in the spring or summer. The only question that remains is who would show up for his performances.

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Even though Cosby was released in June 2021 after the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court overturned his conviction on the grounds of violations of his constitutional rights, his guilt is still considered proven.

Even after his release, allegations against Bill Cosby do not abate

Bill Cosby had a robust career before he was found guilty of sexual abuse.
Bill Cosby had a robust career before he was found guilty of sexual abuse.  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

For several decades, Cosby was celebrated as one of the first African-American superstars in the US. But since 2000, there have been repeated allegations of abuse.

While these were initially dismissed or settled out of court, the accusations piled up in the 2010s, with dozens of women standing up to accuse Cosby of drugging and raping them, with allegations stretching back to the 1970s.

In 2018, he was eventually sentenced to three to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of three counts of sexual assault.

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Even after his early release, the allegations did not subside, and in June, he was found guilty of sexual abuse in a case from 48 years ago.

That month, five more women sued, alleging Cosby had abused them in the 1980s.

For now, fans and foes of Cosby will wait for more news about his potential comeback tour.

Cover photo: IMAGO / UPI Photo

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