Bill Cosby cancels concerts in riot-row US city

Bill Cosby has cancelled two shows in Cincinnati in a protest at the city's response to race riots.

Activists have called on performers to boycott the city because of its response to race riots.

The riots started when an unarmed black man was shot dead by a white police officer, who was later acquitted of negligent homicide.

The officer was also acquitted of a charge of obstructing official business following the shooting incident last April.

The Coalition For A Just Cincinnati called for economic sanctions until city leaders pay more attention to police, racial and economic issues, Canada's Jam! Showbiz website reports.

Cosby was due to play two shows in the city on March 15 - more than 3,000 tickets had already been sold.

The 64-year-old comic said: "I still stand by the fact that I feel very uncomfortable playing the concerts at this time in this climate."

The Cincinnati Arts Association's president, Steve Loftin, said: "We are deeply disappointed at the cancellation."