Bill Cosby Comedy Dropped by NBC Amid Rape Allegations

Network’s decision comes on heels of Netflix’s postponement of special featuring former “Cosby Show” star

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 26: Comedian/actor Bill Cosby performs at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino on September 26, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Bill Cosby has lost another gig, as rape allegations against him continue to mount.

NBC has decided not to go forward with a proposed comedy series that would have starred the former “Cosby Show” star and comedian, amid allegations from multiple women that he had sexually assaulted them, the network told TheWrap on Wednesday.

The network had no further comment.

The half-hour sitcom project would have featured Cosby sharing advice with his daughters and grandchildren. Mike Sikowitz (“Rules of Engagement”) and Mike O’Malley (“Glee”) created the project, which Sony Pictures Television was producing. The project was still in the early stages of development, with no script delivered and no greenlight for production,” an individual close to the project told TheWrap.

NBC’s axing of the project is the latest professional setback for Cosby since the allegations — some resurfaced, some new — recently began to dominate the news cycle. On Tuesday, Netflix postponed a planned comedy special,” Bill Cosby 77,” that was scheduled to premiere over the Thanksgiving weekend.

“At this time we are postponing the launch of the new stand up special ‘Bill Cosby 77,’” a Netflix spokesperson told TheWrap.

Netflix’s postponement came on the same day that former “America’s Next Top Model” judge Janice Dickinson claimed on “Entertainment Tonight” that Cosby had sexually assaulted her in the early ’80s.

Cosby’s attorney, Martin Singer, quickly refuted Dickinson’s claims as “outrageous” and “defamatory.”

In a recent interview with NPR he remained silent when the new accusations were raised.

Also read: Thanksgiving Viewing Guide: 17 Shows, Movies and Specials to Feast Your Eyes On

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