Group protests Bill Cosby’s stop in Pueblo

When Bill Cosby took the stage at Memorial Hall Friday night, he received a standing ovation. Outside, it was a far different scene, as roughly 20 protesters chanted, “We believe the women.”

“There’s 20 women with the same story, and we need to listen,” said Leah Russell.

The organizer of the protest, Rae Carnevale, said the message she’s trying to convey is personal.

“Having been assaulted myself, I didn’t report it to the police because I was embarrassed and a lot of other people feel the same way,” said Carnevale, who held a sign that read: “Rape is not funny.”

Tickets were nearly sold out for Cosby’s stop in Pueblo, but refunds were not being issued.

Russell said she paid $150 for two tickets and tried to give them away with no avail. KRDO NewsChannel 13 watched as Russell handed her tickets to protesters.

“I can’t find anybody in the city of Pueblo who would take two free tickets,” she said.

More than a dozen women have accused Cosby of sexually assaulting and drugging them. Cosby, however, denies the allegations and hasn’t been charged.

“He hasn’t been charged — yet. More women are coming out every day, so it’s just a matter of time,” Carnevale said.

“To be honest, he should just cancel. He should have the courtesy to cancel, but I don’t know why I’m talking about courtesy. Obviously, that’s probably the least of the multitude of sins,” Russell said.

But hundreds of people were glad Cosby didn’t cancel.

“I can’t say I don’t believe him or I believe him, I haven’t heard his side of the story,” said Augustine Madrid, who attended the show. “We’re here in the United States and you’re innocent until proven guilty. And that’s the way it should be.”

KRDO NewsChannel 13 spoke with other people attending the show, who did not want to go on camera. Many said they stood by Cosby because he has not been convicted.

Pueblo police Capt. Eric Bravo said there were no disruptions during the show. No arrests were made.