Cosby appearance gets mixed reaction

KITCHENER, Ontario — Bill Cosby got a standing ovation from Canadian fans at the end of his first show since November, but protesters outside braved below-freezing weather to shame the ticket-holders as they streamed in.

Cosby’s show in Kitchener was the first of three performances planned in Canada’s Ontario province and come in the wake of sexual assault allegations from more than 15 women. The entertainer saw at least 10 performances get canceled on his North American tour.

Wearing a sweater saying “hello friend,” Cosby climbed the stage decorated with two giant posters of him with Nelson Mandela. Some in the audience gave loud whoops but the reception was subdued compared to the standing ovation at his last performance in Florida.

“First of all thank you,” Cosby said to the audience before starting his routine with some cold weather jokes.

There were no disruptions during the performance and the polite crowd laughed throughout.

“I had a wonderful time,” Cosby said before leaving to a standing ovation.

Some ticket-holders had said they would boycott the performance, and the 2,000-seat venue was about two-thirds full.

Outside the Centre in the Square, more than a dozen protesters came out in sub-freezing temperatures, carrying signs saying “rape is no joke.” Some shouted “you support rape” and “shame on you” at fans.

But fans defended Cosby.

“I’m skeptical of all the accusations,” said Gerald Reinink. “I always loved Cosby, good family humor. Why are 20 women coming out now when it’s 20, 30 years ago?”

Cosby, 77, is also scheduled to appear at the Budweiser Gardens in London today and at the Hamilton Place Theatre in Hamilton on Friday.