Bill Cosby's Radio Silence Over Rape Allegations

Bill Cosby went on with the show at a recent performance, amid allegations that he was a serial rapist. Yet, the comic was silent when asked about the controversy in an interview. INSIDE EDITION explains.

Embattled Bill Cosby went ahead with a one-man show Sunday night despite shocking allegations that he was a serial rapist.     

He appeared on stage in Erie, Pennsylvania, but he remained silent about charges made by a woman on INSIDE EDITION that he raped her 30 years ago when she was 18.

Cosby fans who turned out for the show spoke out in support of the comic legend.
 
One fan said, “You're innocent until you're proved guilty as far as I understand in this country. So, hopefully it doesn't come to fruition. He is a pretty large icon."

“A lot of people tend to make accusations hoping to get themselves a little bit of limelight,” said another fan.

Cosby maintained dead silence when NPR radio host Scott Simon asked about the claims during an interview with Cosby's wife, Camille, at his side.  

Simon approached Cosby in the interview and said, “There have been serious allegations raised about you in recent days. You're shaking your head, 'no.'  I’m in the news business. I have to ask the question. Do you have any response to those charges? Shaking your head 'no.' There are people who love you that might like to hear from you about this.”  

Simon told INSIDE EDITION’s Steven Fabian about that tense moment in the studio, saying, “He shook his head and shook his finger like that. No other reaction.”

Fabian asked, “Did he seem upset?”

“He did not get up and say you cannot ask that question. Nothing like that. It confirms to me the idea that if they thought if they reacted with silence that would make it impossible for us to use,” said Simon.

See More of Simon's Interview with INSIDE EDITION

Cosby's attorney issued a statement saying, "Over the last several weeks decade old discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have surfaced. The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment."

Cosby cancelled an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman that had been scheduled for Wednesday.

Regis Philbin was asked to fill in for the embattled star. Photographers caught up with Regis at the airport in Los Angeles.

Regis told photographers, “I like Bill. I think he's great. Is that why he cancelled?”

“Those rape allegations have come back again,” said a photographer.

A surprised Regis replied, “Oh!”

Cosby also cancelled appearances on The Queen Latifah Show and the Today show.

The Today show mentioned, “Bill Cosby cancelled an appearance two weeks ago when he heard that he may be asked about those allegations.”

The allegations aimed at Cosby could not come at a worse time. At age 77, he is in the midst of a career resurgence. NBC is developing a new sitcom around the icon.    

Mary Murphy, Senior Lecturer, USC Annenberg School, told INSIDE EDITION, "The character he is playing is like Cliff Huxtable as a grandpa, all wise, all knowing. Now, people are asking, 'Who is the real Bill Cosby?'"