Bill Cosby releases statement about the future of his comedy career

Once the most trusted man in America, Bill Cosby‘s legacy is now entirely uncertain.

More: Why didn’t you know about Bill Cosby’s rape allegations until now?

But it seems like the comedian is bent on brushing the allegations under the rug and moving on with his career.

Cosby released a statement on Friday about his upcoming tour and didn’t mention anything about the 34 women who have accused him of sexual assault and rape.

“Dear Fans: For 53 years you have given me your love, support, respect and trust. Thank you! I can’t wait to see your smiling faces and warm your hearts with a wonderful gift — LAUGHTER. I’m ready!”

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The statement came ahead of his performance Friday night in Lafayette, Louisiana. Cosby has continued his comedy tour throughout the country despite the accusations. The rest of his career hasn’t held up as well. Netflix shelved Cosby’s planned comedy special and NBC dropped the pilot it was working on with him.

For his own part, the comedian has rarely commented on the accusations, even at the height of the scandal. He has, instead, allowed his lawyer to speak for him and say he “does not intend to dignify” the accusations against him.

Back in November 2014, Cosby told Florida Today, “I know people are tired of me not saying anything, but a guy doesn’t have to answer to innuendos. People should fact check. People shouldn’t have to go through that and shouldn’t answer to innuendos.”

More: Bill Cosby rape accusations: A timeline of his career downfall

More recently, Cosby decided to make light of all the accusations with a disgusting joke that fell flat to everyone except the audience, who somehow thought it was a good idea to clap.

A woman in the front row got up to go get a drink. Cosby asked her where she was going. She asked him if he wanted a drink.

— Richard Warnica (@richardwarnica) January 9, 2015

He said no, he already had one (a bottle of water). Then he continued "You have to be careful about drinking around me."

— Richard Warnica (@richardwarnica) January 9, 2015

“I thank you, the theatre staff [at the Heymann Performing Arts Center], the event organizers and the Lafayette community for your continued support and coming to experience family fun entertainment,” Cosby continued in his statement today. “Hey, Hey, Hey — I’m far from finished. Sincerely, Bill Cosby.”