Back in August, Netflix announced four exclusive stand-up comedy specials, including one from Bill Cosby. As you may have heard, Cosby’s reputation has suffered some major blows since then.
Titled Bill Cosby 77, the special was scheduled to be released on November 28. This is the description Netflix gave:
In Bill Cosby’s latest special, “Bill Cosby 77,” he brings his singular point of view and comedy to his favorite topics, relationships, marriage and children. Taped at the SF Jazz Center in San Francisco on Cosby’s 77th birthday and directed by Robert Townsend…
Netlix says it’s postponing the special’s release.
There have been multiple allegations from various women that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted them. Some of these have been around for years, but were recently brought to light again, and now they seem to be piling up.
Cosby’s lawyer stated, “Over the last several weeks, decade-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have resurfaced. The fact that 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.”
Cosby appeared on NPR this week on November 15 with his wife Camille to discuss a museum exhibit. Interviewer Scott Simon asked Cosby if he wanted to comment on the allegations, and he remained completely silent, while shaking his head no.
Also this week, a comedy bit about Spanish Fly from one of Cosby’s old albums called “It’s True! It’s True!” has been making the rounds, not helping his image whatsoever.
The Hollywood Reporter shares a statement from a Netflix spokesperson: “At this time we are postponing the launch of the new stand-up comedy special Bill Cosby 77.”
According to the report, Cosby’s rep “characterized it as a mutual decision.”
It will be interesting to see if Netflix goes ahead with its release at a later date. Cosby has also been working on a new show for NBC, the future of which remains unclear.
Update: It looks like NBC has now pulled the plug on the Cosby project.
Image via YouTube