In the wake of mounting sexual assault allegations, NBC will not be moving forward with its untitled Bill Cosby project, a network spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.
The decision comes as little surprise, after decades-old rape allegations against the legendary comedian have resurfaced. Most recently, former supermodel Janice Dickinson accused Cosby of sexual assaulting her in 1982, adding her name to the growing list of women who claim that the comedian drugged and raped them.
On Tuesday, Netflix announced that it was "postponing" a planned comedy special featuring the icon. The move led many to believe that NBC's decision was all but a foregone conclusion.
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The project was meant to be a triumphant return to television for Cosby, who starred as Cliff Huxtable for eight seasons on NBC's beloved sitcom, The Cosby Show. Cosby was once again expected to play a family patriarch, this time with three married daughters.
The 77-year-old star cancelled recent appearances on The Queen Latifah Show and The Late Show With David Letterman, and has yet to publicly comment on the allegations.
"Over the last several weeks, decade-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have resurfaced," Cosby's lawyer, John P. Schmitt, said in a statement posted to his client's website on November 16. "The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment."
With these new developments and his career hanging in the balance, Mr. Cosby may no longer have a choice. (The Hollywood Reporter)