*Although he hasn’t officially responded to sexual assault and drugging allegations made at him by more than two dozen women, Bill Cosby did say something to a heckler who interrupted his standup comedy performance in Baltimore Friday night (March 27).
The heckler, identified as Michael. M. Crook, captured the incident on cell phone video. Media sources report that Crook’s outburst occurred about 15 minutes into Cosby’s set.
“38 women called you a rapist!” Crook shouted, later adding, “Tell the one about how to get away with rape,” to which Cosby shouted, “Stop it!”
Crook was ultimately removed from the audience by security following the incident.
Speaking with City Paper, Crook justified why he heckled Cosby while defending those bringing accusations against the legendary comedian.
“I stood up to Bill Cosby tonight because I believe the 38 women who have come forward so far to accuse him of raping them,” he said. “I can’t speak for those women, but I am determined to stand up with them and tell Mr. Cosby that he cannot simply avoid answering for those crimes.”
“I wanted [Cosby] to have to face, even if only for a moment, that reality before security escorted me out and allowed him to retreat to the comfort and embrace of audience willing to ignore those women,” Crook added.
Despite Crook’s outburst, Cosby received support from members of his audience, who quickly came to his defense. The entertainer ultimately brought things back to normal, telling the audience, “Just remain calm…. We are here to enjoy my gift. We are not here to argue. Let those people speak. We will find them and ask them to leave.”
Crook may have gotten inside to voice his displeasure with Cosby, but about 20 protestors made their presence known before the funnyman’s performance as they held court in front of the venue Cosby was at on behalf of Baltimore’s sexual-assault victim advocacy group.
“Your fame won’t shame anymore!” the protestors called out.
To see coverage of the protest of Cosby’s performance, check out the video below:
