Bill Cosby responds to heckling: 'Stop it! This is our show'

ATLANTA, May 6 (UPI) -- Bill Cosby called out a couple of hecklers Saturday while he performed at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta.

Outside, an organized group of protesters positioned themselves near the entrance, chanting, "We believe the women," referring to those who have come forward accusing the comedian of sexual assault.

Before the show, Cosby reportedly addressed potential disturbances. "If there are disruptions, stay calm. Do not confront the person making the disruption," he said.

Lo and behold, two hecklers took jabs at the 77-year-old star of The Cosby Show, one of which uttered that he was like "Cosby's sweater" among other disjointed phrases. The showman responded to the man, "Stop -- do you have another 40 minutes?" followed by laughs and applause.

The other heckler was identified as Ashley Leonard from North Carolina, who stealthily did not make her intentions known. As Cosby recounted a story about his mother threatening to beat him when he was younger, Leonard stood up and yelled, "She didn't beat out of you how you treat women!"

The rest of the crowd booed until Cosby settled them down, "Stop it!" he said, "This is our show. It will be over soon." Dozens of women have publicly stepped forward to accuse the entertainer of sexual assault, citing the use of date-rape drugs. Just last week two more women, including a former Cosby Show guest star, came forward.

Since the allegations, Cosby's career took a serious hit. His upcoming NBC show was shut down, The Cosby Show reruns have been removed from TV Land and Netflix has postponed his special.