Bill Cosby has 'every intent to perform,' says promoter

Embattled comedian Bill Cosby still intends to perform at three venues in southern Ontario next week despite public protest, says thecompany that is managing the shows.

On Friday, Innovation Arts & Entertainment responded to the growing discontent in a press release, which statesthatIAEentered into a legally-binding agreement in March 2014 to organize and promote Cosby's performances in Kitchener, London and Hamilton.

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Due to the nature of the agreement, CEO Adam Epstein said his company cannot legally cancel the shows without consent from the performer.

"As recently as this morning,IAEhas been informed by Mr. Cosby's representatives that he has every intent to perform these events," wrote Epstein on Friday.

"While we understand and empathize this is a difficult time, we hope it is understood that both the venues andIAEare legally obligated to proceed as it applies to our commitments, and that we would face crippling legal obstacles for violation."

Cosby is scheduled to perform at Centre in the Square in Kitchener on Jan. 7, Budweiser Gardens in London on Jan. 8 and Hamilton Place in Hamilton on Jan.9.

Kitchener mayor to attend rival event

There has been a growing uproar over claims that Cosby sexuallyassaulted several women in the past. Althoughthe comedianhas never been charged in connection with any of the allegations, community members and local organizationshave asked that Cosby's Kitchener show becancelled.

On Friday, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said he would boycott the Jan. 7 performance and, instead, attend a rival event put on by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.

"I will attend and personally support the Voices Carry fundraiser," Vrbanovic wrote in a press release. "To those members of our community who want to help this worthwhile cause, this is a positive option which you also may wish to consider."

Doors for thatevent open at 6 p.m. on Jan. 7, with entertainment from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.Tickets range from $20 per person to $200 for a group of 12.

On mobile? Read the full IAEpress release here.