KITCHENER, Ontario – Scandal-plagued Bill Cosby got applause from Canadian fans as he took the stage for first time since November but protesters outside shouted "shame on you" at ticket-holders streaming in.
Cosby's show in Kitchener was the first of three performances planned in Canada's Ontario province and come in the wake of sexual assault allegations from more than 15 women. The entertainer saw at least 10 performances get canceled on his North American tour.
Wearing a sweater saying "hello friend," Cosby climbed the stage decorated with two giant posters of him with Nelson Mandela. Some in the audience gave loud whoops but the reception was subdued compared to the standing ovation at his last stage performance in Florida.
"First of all thank you," Cosby said to the audience before starting his routine with some cold weather jokes.
Some ticket-holders had said they would boycott the performance, and the 2,000-seat venue was about two-thirds full.
Outside the Centre in the Square, more than a dozen protesters came out in sub-freezing temperatures, carrying signs saying "rape is no joke." Some shouted "you support rape" and "shame on you" at fans.
But fans defended Cosby as they arrived.
"I'm skeptical of all the accusations," said Gerald Reinink. "I always loved Cosby, good family humor. Why are 20 women coming out now when it's 20, 30 years ago?"
Cosby, 77, is also scheduled to appear at the Budweiser Gardens in London on Thursday and at the Hamilton Place Theatre in Hamilton on Friday.