Ahead of a second sexual assault trial, Bill Cosby returned to the stage for a stand-up set, Vulture reports.
To the surprise of the audience, Cosby performed a routine at LaRose Jazz Club in Philadelphia as part of showcase honoring jazz musician Tony Williams, News Channel 5 reports. The Monday performance marks the first time Cosby had done stand-up in 3 years.
Cosby posted an announcement about the set on Facebook only a few hours before it began:
Witnesses said Cosby didn't address the numerous sexual assault allegations he faces, and refused to answer questions about his upcoming trial after the show. He instead focused on stories from his youth and his wife and daughter. He also reportedly told self-deprecating jokes about his visual impairment. At one point, he also got behind a set of drums and began playing.
NPR reporter Bobby Allyn attended the show and documented it all on Twitter:
Bill Cosby about to do an impromptu comedy set at a jazz club in Germantown. Jury selection in his second criminal trial on sexual assault charges start at the end o March… pic.twitter.com/z6dxapy3FS— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) January 22, 2018
Bill Cosby, sitting on a stool in a hoodie at a Philly jazz club, telling stories and working the crowd. No mention yet of his looming trial on sexual assault charges. pic.twitter.com/D7qldKi79B— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) January 23, 2018
Ok, he’s moved to the drums… pic.twitter.com/OrmUdUVKHn— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) January 23, 2018
I asked Cosby if he’s prepared for his second trial, and he looked me in the eyes and said nothing stonefaced. I then asked how he thinks #MeToo might affect jurors, and he shrugged in an animated way, put on a goofy smile and said, “I don’t know!”— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) January 23, 2018
More Cosby Drumming. Sorry for the cam flip. pic.twitter.com/dzoC8ochcw— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) January 23, 2018
Here is the unforgettable face Cosby made when I asked him how he thinks jurors will see his case differently in the #MeToo era. pic.twitter.com/UVfTtSDsCz— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) January 23, 2018
At @LEBenshoff's request, here's a transcription of one of Cosby's scats tonight. Didn't do this for fun. This is my work tonight. pic.twitter.com/cp7It9Ofso— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) January 23, 2018
Almost a year ago, Bill Cosby said that he hoped to return to the stand-up stage once his sexual assault trials were over. His first trial in June resulted in a hung jury; he'll begin his second on April 2.
