Bill Cosby's 'Late Show' appearance canceled

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Renewed attention to years-old rape allegations has resulted in the cancellation of comedian Bill Cosby's planned appearance on Late Show with David Letterman.

Cosby, 77, has never been officially charged with or convicted of sex abuse, but he has been involved in civil lawsuits stemming from the allegations.

The accusations were brought up again last month in another stand-up comic's act and sparked online outrage and the publication of an op-ed column penned by one of his accusers for The Washington Post.

The media firestorm cost Cosby a spot on Queen Latifah's freshman talk show, but he was still booked to appear on Letterman's chat program this coming Wednesday.

However, Late Show representatives confirmed to multiple sources Friday night that Cosby will not be a guest after all. No specific reason was given for the change in scheduling.

Cosby is best known for his work on the family sitcom The Cosby Show, the animated series Fat Albert and commercials for Jell-O pudding pops.