Comedian Bill Cosby’s upcoming shows at a downtown Denver theater faced new push-back Monday when a routine City Council vote on the concert promoter’s incentive program contract sparked protest votes by three members.
Cosby is set to perform his comedy at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Buell Theatre.
Activists as Cosby faces a drumbeat of allegations of drugging and sexual assault by more than a dozen women.
Last week, AEG Live president Chuck Morris declined to do so, citing signed contracts and an obligation to ticket-buyers.
Councilwoman Susan Shepherd said Monday night that she’s fielded concerns about Cosby’s appearance in the city-owned venue.
“Mr. Cosby has not been charged with anything. He has not been tried. He has not been convicted. We all know that,” Shepherd said.
But “that doesn’t change the fact” that the allegations are following Cosby on his tour, she said, dredging up painful memories for many survivors of sexual assaults.
So Shepherd abstained from voting on the AEG Live incentive contract. Council members Robin Kniech and Judy Montero, who didn’t speak, followed suit.
Still, the measure won initial approval 8-0, with a final vote planned next Monday.
It is among several pending contracts that would extend the 2014 incentive program through 2015. Commercial event promoters at city-owned venues have earned commissions by booking more concerts and selling more tickets. AEG Live’s incentives would be worth up to $1.2 million this year.
Councilwoman Jeanne Robb voted for AEG Live’s contract but echoed concerns about Cosby.
“Because of the First Amendment and contractual reasons, I will be supporting this,” she said. “But I absolutely support Councilwoman Shepherd’s approach.”
