“The Queen Latifah Show” is reportedly canceling an upcoming appearance by Bill Cosby to promote his new comedy tour after allegations resurfaced that he sexually assaulted 13 women.
Comedian Hannibal Buress made headlines last week after he wondered aloud during a stand-up show if people still remembered Mr. Cosby had been accused of rape by 13 different women from seven different states since the 1970s, TMZ reported.
There are no fresh allegations against Mr. Cosby. The comedian has never been criminally charged with sexual assault, but he has been sued, TMZ notes.
So instead of interviewing Mr. Cosby about the alleged rapes, Queen Latifah is allegedly cutting him from the show altogether. A scathing article from Gawker blasted the actress for being “cowardly.”
“The woman whose biggest solo rap hit, ’U.N.I.T.Y.’ furiously addressed the topic of sexual harassment and catcalling, is afraid to talk to an accused rapist?” Gawker’s Rich Juzwiak writes. “She’s become so softball that it’s now her ethos, and not to be disturbed? She’s happy to have a seven-minute conversation with Diva Kid, a teen with a lot of pride and absolutely nothing to say, as part of her legacy, and not a career-redefining, discourse-enriching frank talk with Cosby? That’s shameful.”
“The Queen Latifah Show” later explained in an email that it was Mr. Cosby who canceled the appearance, not the show, and that the TMZ report was inaccurate.
“Mr. Cosby’s scheduled appearance on ’The Queen Latifah Show’ was postponed at his request and was in no way related to any of our recent or upcoming scheduled guests,” the statement said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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