Virginia Theatre cancels Cosby’s performances

Comedian+Bill+Cosby+attends+the+55th+anniversary+of+a+Washington+institution%2C+Bens+Chili+Bowl%2C+Thursday%2C+August+22%2C+2013%2C+in+Washington%2C+D.C.%C2%A0

Comedian Bill Cosby attends the 55th anniversary of a Washington institution, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Thursday, August 22, 2013, in Washington, D.C. 

By Elyssa Kaufman

Due to recent allegations of sexual abuse, Bill Cosby’s performance at Champaign’s Virginia Theatre has been canceled. 
 
“This is the first time the theatre has had this type of situation,” said Joe DeLuce, executive director of the Champaign Park District. “The show has been canceled because of the allegations continuing to grow and it was not appropriate to show him at this time.”
 
The decision was made by the Champaign Park District Board of Commissioners, the executive director of the park district and director of the Virginia Theatre. 
 
Cosby was scheduled to perform two shows on April 11. DeLuce said the Virginia Theatre has only canceled shows before due to a lack of ticket sales. 
 
“We feel that by canceling the show, we have said what we need to say,” DeLuce said. 
 
Elyssa can be reached at [email protected]