Growing up, movies and TV shows like “Fat Albert,” “A Different World,” and “The Cosby Show” truly shaped me. They taught me some of life’s greatest lessons. Actor Bill Cosby changed the game, showcasing intelligent and united African American families on big networks.
It was a surreal moment when my favorite television dad was charged with three felony counts of assault for drugging and molesting women. So this poses the question: should Crosby’s work be discredited because of his wrongdoings?
Scandals are very common in Hollywood, and with being in the #Metoo Era, they are more prevalent than ever. There are many stars who commit wrongdoings but don’t have to face all of the consequences such as Brett Kavanaugh and Woody Allen.
Wrong is wrong, and anyone who goes against the justice system should be held accountable. But it’s difficult because I – along with a lot of other Americans – can not get the well-known role of the Dr. Cliff Huxtable out of my head.
When accusations first appeared in the media, I was in denial and use to state the beloved Dr. Huxtable would never do such a demoralizing act. However, when a celebrity has a role, it is their job to embody the role of the character they are playing. Still, it’s tough to differentiate Cosby from Dr. Huxtable.
The long-awaited case gave Hollywood stars plenty of time to express their opinions.
“Cosby is guilty. I’m sorry if you loved a lie. His victims can now exhale. Thank you, judge and jury. Thank you society for waking up,” wrote Rose McGowan, who was one of the first actresses to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct last year.
“This Bill Cosby verdict is a big deal. A really big deal. Women were sexually assaulted by this man and then dragged through the mud by his lawyers and a lot of the press…. I hope they are able to find some sliver of peace and healing today,” tweeted Andy Lassner, Executive Producer of the Ellen Show.
It is true: his work broke barriers and will forever be remembered. However, Bill Cosby committed a crime and now he has to pay the consequences.
As a women’s rights activist, I applaud all women for coming forward. It took 60 women to come forward and share their experiences for one case to go through. Victims should never question their power. Though such might not always be the case, not one single victim’s struggle should not go unnoticed.
The 81-year-old actor was sentenced three to 10 years. As a part of his sentence, Cosby was ordered to pay a fine of $25,000 plus the costs of prosecution. Pennsylvania Judge, Steven O’Neill, also ruled Cosby be classified as a “sexually violent predator” which requires lifetime registration and sex offender counseling.
Cosby is currently residing in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania. He is said to be in good spirits and is safe with prison trustees around.