Hamilton·Audio

Bill Cosby: Can you separate the art from the artist?

Comedian Bill Cosby will perform in three Ontario cities this week. Amid allegations of sexual abuse and word of protests taking place at the performances, some ticket holders just won't go. Can fans to separate the art of comedy from the controversy? Call Ontario Today at 1-888-817-8995.

Call Ontario Today at 1-888-817-8995

In this Nov. 21, 2014 photo, comedian Bill Cosby performs during a show at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press)

Comedian Bill Cosby will perform at venues in three Ontario cities this week.

Amid allegations of sexual abuse and word of protests taking place at the performances, some ticket holders are skipping out on the show. Is it possible for fans to separate the art of comedy from the controversy?

Call in to CBC Radio's Ontario Today at 1-888-817-8995 at noon on Tuesday to let us know what you think.'

Ontario Today host Amanda Pfeffer spoke with two Hamilton ticketholders. Hamilton resident Joanne, has tickets to the comedy show at Hamilton Place but won’t be attending due to the sexual assault allegations. Another woman from Hamilton, Vanessa, says she can overlook the controversy surrounding Cosby, but isn’t attending because she doesn’t want her kids exposed to the protests.

So how should fans of Cosby weigh the decision on whether or not to attend the show?

McMaster University professor Stefan Sciaraffa, who specializes in the philosophy of law and social, moral and political philosophy, told CBC news that the situation requires an individuals personal consideration on whether or not Cosby’s comedy and performance is separate from the sexual assault allegations surrounding him. Listen live and let us know what you think.