Bill Cosby Dropped by NBC as Netflix Weighs Options

While comedian Bill Cosby’s future with Netflix is still up in the air at this point, NBC has decided to cut ties with the embattled actor. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, NBC...
Bill Cosby Dropped by NBC as Netflix Weighs Options
Written by Josh Wolford
  • While comedian Bill Cosby’s future with Netflix is still up in the air at this point, NBC has decided to cut ties with the embattled actor.

    According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, NBC has decided not to move forward with an upcoming family comedy that was set to star Cosby. NBC wouldn’t provide any additional comment.

    NBC’s decision comes as old allegations against Cosby resurface and new ones emerge. Cosby, who has been accused multiple times of sexual assault over the years, was recently hit with another allegation – this one coming from former actor and publicist Joan Tarshis. She claims multiple instances of rape over the years, beginning in 1969.

    Cosby has been silent, but his spokesperson has issued a statement refuting all past and present allegations.

    “Over the last several weeks, decade-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have resurfaced. The fact they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment. He would like to thank all his fans for the outpouring of support and assure them that, at age 77, he is doing his best work. There will be no further statement from Mr. Cosby or any of his representatives,” said a statement on Cosby’s website.

    Earlier today Netflix announced that it was postponing the scheduled release of a new Bill Cosby comedy special. Titled Bill Cosby 77, the special was supposed to hit Netflix on November 28.

    β€œAt this time we are postponing the launch of the new stand-up comedy special Bill Cosby 77,” is all Netflix had to say.

    Netflix seems to have a few options at this point. It can wait it out and see if any further developments emerge that could add some clarity to the situation. It could go ahead and air the thing – but open itself up to strong backlash.

    Or it could just scrap the whole show – which at this point looks like the smartest route.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

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