TI says Cosby’s show still on, profits charity-bound
TI hotel-casino intends to honor its Nov. 28 contract with comedy legend Bill Cosby but, if the show goes forward, all profits will go to charity, the Review-Journal learned Thursday.
With Cosby facing mounting pressure amid allegations of sexual assault over many years, TI has “no interest in profiting from the controversy,” according to Michelle Knoll, senior vice president of communications at TI.
A Las Vegas headlining staple for decades, Cosby returned to the Strip in 2009 after a long absence when he bonded with TI owner Phil Ruffin.
Cosby, long one of the most beloved figures in the entertainment world as a Grammy-winning comedian and father figure, has weathered previous sex claims.
But a new storm arose in recent weeks, causing a number of canceled appearances or scrapped projects.
Cosby’s attorney labeled the claims “decade-old, discredited allegations.”
But the rising number of voices from those who say they are victims is giving some longtime Cosby supporters pause.
Kathy Sledge of the Sledge Sisters, interviewed Thursday while in Las Vegas for the Latin Grammys, had praise for Cosby but added the mounting number of women coming forward is “scary.”
During an interview on KTNV-TV, Channel’s 13’s talk show “Vegas Valley Live,” Sledge called Cosby “a very classy guy.”
But, she said, “it’s starting to look like there’s validity” to the allegations.
Sledge said it’s “scary that there are so many accounts that are so similar.”
Sledge was the lead singer of Sister Sledge, a Philadelphia R&B group that rocketed to fame in 1979 with “We Are Family.” Sister Sledge opened for Cosby during the early 1980s at the Hilton, now known as Westgate.
Several of the women who have come forward said they were drugged and raped by Cosby in Las Vegas.
Sledge, in a telephone interview on her way to the Latin Grammys, told me Cosby was “nothing but the utmost gentleman around us. We never encountered anything like we’re hearing. Horrific, sad news.”
Sledge said her mother and grandmother chaperoned the group while in Las Vegas.
Asked if Cosby took on the role of mentor with aspiring young women, Sledge said, “For me, I think he seems to exude that sense of wisdom. That’s why the stories are so shocking.”
She added, “In the end the truth always rises to the top, so we’ll see what happens.”
Sledge is enjoying a career comeback, this time as a solo artist. Her new song, “Keep It Movin,” is an electronic dance-track sensation. She performs it with the Aristofreeks.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Actor Burt Reynolds’ career memorabilia, fine art and personal belongings will be auctioned off Dec. 11-12 at the Palms. The bidding starts at 10 a.m., with Julien’s Auctions, known as the Auction House of the Stars, in charge. ...
Holly Madison will serve as host of Opportunity Village’s Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Dec. 6 downtown. She will be joined by the Chippendales, who will be grand marshals.
SIGHTINGS
College basketball icon Bobby Knight, with friends at Dom Demarco’s Pizzeria and Bar on Thursday. ... Derek Jeter, dining at Jose Andres’ Bazaar Meat at SLS on Tuesday. ... Undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., dining with friends at Martarano’s at Paris Las Vegas on Tuesday. ... UFC executive Marc Ratner, former director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, at Pasta Shop Ristorante in Henderson on Thursday.
THE PUNCH LINE
“Analysts say (President Barack) Obama’s new immigration plan will focus on deporting violent criminals. So, this could impact your fantasy football team.” — Conan O’Brien
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
