David Letterman-Bill Cosby Interview Nixed, Cosby Shakes His Head ‘No’ On NPR At Rape Questions
David Letterman won’t sit down and interview Bill Cosby as planned on November 19, reports the Hollywood Reporter – stating that it’s unclear whether it was David Letterman who replaced Cosby with Regis Philbin, or such as in the case of Cosby’s cancelled appearance on the Queen Latifah Show, whether it was Cosby himself who pulled out of the interview, says USA Today.
If the David Letterman interview on The Late Show would’ve gone anything like the recent NPR Morning Edition interview, as reported by the Inquisitr, it’s no wonder Cosby wouldn’t want to face the music with David Letterman – a fellow comedian who may not have sidestepped the rape allegations swirling around Cosby any more than comedian Hannibal Buress did in a recent routine wherein he called Bill Cosby a rapist, and the YouTube footage went viral. Also, a recent #CosbyMEME on Twitter featured feedback that his PR team probably didn’t expect.
If David Letterman listened to NPR’s Scott Simon ask Cosby awkward but necessary questions about the rape allegations, Letterman would’ve anticipated a potentially controversial interview as well. Either way, David Letterman broaching the subject of sexual harassment and rape would’ve forced both men to approach topics they’ve tried to avoid. After all, David has made his own on-air mea culpas for sexual relationships unveiled with staffers of Letterman’s show, reports the New York Times.
Yes, David Letterman is a comedian, but David is also an interviewer, so to sidestep Barbara Bowman’s viral article in the Washington Post that asked, “Bill Cosby raped me. Why did it take 30 years for people to believe my story?” would’ve made it seem as if David Letterman were ignoring the obvious tsunami clamoring down on the career of “America’s favorite dad” and brought concerns that Letterman were siding with Cosby if David gave Cosby a soft interview.
“This question gives me no pleasure, Mr. Cosby, but there’ve been serious allegations raised about you in recent days. There are people who love you who might want to hear about this. I want to give you the chance.”
With Simon reporting that Cosby only shook his head “no” throughout that line of questioning, it’s no wonder an appearance on David Letterman’s show was nixed – either by Letterman or Cosby. In the end, with this Letterman appearance being the latest in a line of cancelled or cut-short Cosby interviews, it appears Mr. Cosby’s career might only rebound with honest answers to serious charges.
[Image via Complex]
