Bill Cosby's appearance on David Letterman show cancelled as rape allegations swirl

New York

CRITICISM of one of television's most beloved stars, Bill Cosby, is escalating with renewed attention to allegations that he sexually assaulted women in several incidents decades ago.

The latest indication is the cancellation of a planned appearance by Mr Cosby, scheduled for Wednesday, on David Letterman's late-night show on CBS. The show declined to say whether Mr Cosby withdrew from the appearance or the show decided to replace him. "We can't comment on the booking process," a spokesman for the show, Kim Izzo-Emmet, said on Friday.