NBC cancels Bill Cosby project in wake of sexual assault allegations

NBC canceled plans to go forward with a Bill Cosby project as new sexual assault allegations involving the 77-year-old comedian have surfaced.

The cancellation comes one day after Netflix decided to postpone a late November premiere of a Cosby comedy special.

On Tuesday, prior to Netflix and NBC’s announcement, actress Janice Dickinson told Entertainment Tonight, that Cosby had sexually assaulted her in 1982.

Cosby’s attorney Marty Singer said in a statement: “Janice [Dickinson’s] story accusing Bill Cosby of rape is a complete lie. There is documentary proof that Janice Dickinson is fabricating and lying about Bill Cosby.”

Sexual assault claims have surfaced around Cosby for decades in dribs and drabs. In 2005, formal allegations were made when Andrea Constand sued Cosby for sexual assault. According to NBC News, “a total of 15 women have made complaints, [six] of them who have identified themselves publicly.”

The topic was recently brought back into the spotlight when comedian Hannibal Buress called Cosby a rapist during his Oct. 20 stand-up show.

On Saturday, NPR Weekend Edition host Scott Simon asked Cosby if he had any response to the sexual assault charges. Cosby answered with silence, and according to Simon sat shaking his head “no.”

Following the interview, attorney John P. Schmitt said in a statement that Cosby “does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment.”

Tonight on PBS NewsHour, we’ll cover the recent events surrounding Cosby.