Barbara Bowman's Story of Alleged Rape by Bill Cosby Begins in Denver

In 2006, performer Bill Cosby settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who said he'd drugged and sexually assaulted her. In a U.K. Mail story, Barbara Bowman says she was prepared to testify in the civil trial against Cosby before the matter was dropped. But now, years later, she's speaking...

By Michael Roberts

October 29, 2014

Today is the last day of our summer campaign, and we’re just $250 away from our goal!

We’re ready to deliver—but we need the resources to do it right. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today to help us expand our current events coverage when it’s needed most.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$16,750

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

In 2006, performer Bill Cosby settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who said he'd drugged and sexually assaulted her. In a U.K. Mail story, Barbara Bowman says she was prepared to testify in the civil trial against Cosby before the matter was dropped. But now, years later, she's speaking out about what she describes as a similar tale of abuse at the hands of the entertainer -- and she says it all began at a well-remembered nightclub in Denver, where she grew up. Photos and details below.

Turn of the Century, located at 7300 East Hampden, was among the toniest venues of its day, attracting some of the biggest names in live entertainment. That's where Bowman says she met Cosby circa 1985, when she was a seventeen-year-old student and aspiring actress. Here's an excerpt from the U.K. Mail piece:

"I was studying acting when my agent told me Mr Cosby was scouting for young talent and that I'd have a shot to be groomed by him personally. I was eager to please. This could be my big break.
"The first thing Mr. Cosby said when he met me in the conference room was, "I want you to go in the bathroom and wet your hair...then sit in this chair, shut your eyes and do an improvisation exercise with me."
"He wanted me to act completely drunk, wasted, while he stood behind me and stroked my neck and upper chest. He didn't touch me beyond that, on that day, but that's where it certainly started."

After that, Bowman maintains that Cosby made it a point to meet with her whenever he was in Denver, where she was raised from age nine, and flew her and family members around the country, including to New York City to see Broadway shows. But according to her, he was less interested in helping her achieve her acting dreams than in hotel room rendezvous and other encounters that she characterizes as sexually and emotionally abusive.

One time, she tells the paper, she's sure she was given a drugged glass of wine and fears she was sexually assaulted while incapacitated; on another occasion, she says Cosby threw her down on a bed and seemed ready to rape her, only to stop in the face of her continual screaming.

Cosby has consistently denied sexual abuse accusations leveled against him

Today, Bowman is an artist living in Scottsdale, Arizona. But her allegations have made headlines across the globe even as they've shone a light on a long-defunct nightspot that was once the height of Denver glamour.

To read the complete U.K. Mail article -- and it's a big one -- click here.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

A message from Michael Roberts: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of essential stories and to investigate issues that matter.

Support Today