Tag Archives: Bill Cosby

entertainment news, national news

Still waiting for Cosby's magic words

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Bill Cosby has — more or less — broken his silence on the allegations of sexual abuse that have piled up on him.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/bill-cosby-breaks-silence-amid-allegations-black-media-should-stay-neutral/ar-BBgMJqY

The Hollywood Reporter link isn’t very long, as Cosby didn’t talk long to the New York Post reporter interviewing him. He made a reference to his lawyer not wanting him to speak to the media.

The allegations are serious and, to be quite candid, are sounding more believable with each new alleged victim coming forward. The most notable accuser has been supermodel Beverly Johnson, who has accused Cosby of drugging her and having his way with her.

My major source of skepticism about all of this centers on the length of time that has passed since these alleged incidents occurred. Moreover, Cosby’s never been charged with a crime.

Still, in the comments that have come forward, either from Cosby himself or from his legal team, I am still waiting to hear or read the “magic words” from the accused.

They are: “I did not commit these acts.”

It troubles me terribly that Cosby hasn’t declared categorically in public that these alleged acts never occurred. It also troubles me, if it’s the case, that his lawyers might have instructed him to keep quiet on that specific point.

The silence from this entertainment icon is speaking volumes. Maybe I’m just hearing things, so to speak.

My goodness, I hope that’s the case. I am fearing the worst.

 

entertainment news, national news

Cosby once was the face of Temple U.

This is how far Bill Cosby’s star has fallen.

The comedy icon has resigned as a Temple University trustee. Why? Because of the outpouring of accusations that Cosby has sexually assaulted women — for decades!

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/at-temple-university-students-hope-to-put-famous-alum-cosby-behind-them/ar-BBgr1JB

Good heavens!

Cosby has done stand-up routines about his days as a student at Temple, not to mention recorded comedy albums. He’s given the school added fame and acclaim. He has earned his degrees from the Philadelphia school.

And he has served on the board of trustees, giving the board the heft of his once-good name and reputation.

Cosby is fighting back against at least one of his accusers. He calls the allegations all kinds of names, such as “baseless” and “ridiculous.”

I’m still waiting him for Dr. Cosby to say the magic words: “I did not do these things.”

Watching this man’s reputation unravel before our eyes remains a painful experience for us spectators. I only can imagine what this is doing to the man’s family.

 

 

entertainment news

Good bye to an American icon

Bill Cosby isn’t dead, but his reputation has been dealt a potentially mortal injury.

I hesitate to say categorically that it’s a self-inflicted wound. Charges of sexual abuse and out-and-out rape have come from multiple women over many years against the iconic entertainer.

No charges have been filed by any law enforcement agency. Cosby, though, appears to be toast. He appears headed for entertainment oblivion.

http://time.com/3609432/colleges-bill-cosby-sexual-assault/

I get that U.S. citizens deserve the presumption of innocence. The allegations, though, are adding up. They have an eerie similarity. These women have talked about fear in bringing the allegations to light; they feared the fallout that would come by suggesting this gigantic entertainment figure would do the things they have alleged he has done.

Then one came forward. Then another, and another, and another. I’ve lost count of the number of women who’ve accused “The Coz” of doing terrible things to them.

Now we hear that the University of Massachusetts-Amherst has asked for — and received — Cosby’s resignation as an honorary faculty member; he received his master’s and doctorate in education at UMass-Amherst.

This ongoing and burgeoning scandal sickens me — as it sickens millions of other Americans who have laughed at Cosby’s everyman monologues and marveled at the role model he has become to so many men around the world.

I hope it’s false, as Cosby’s lawyer insists it is. I fear for the worst.

 

entertainment news, national news

Et tu, Dr. Huxtable?

This cannot be happening to one of America’s most iconic entertainers.

Then again …

Bill Cosby has been accused by at least three women of sexual assault. His lawyer denies the allegations. Meanwhile, one television network, NBC, and an online entertainment provider, Netflix, have cancelled planned projects involving Cosby.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/nbc-scraps-cosby-television-project/ar-BBeHfAq

What in the name of all that is holy is going on here?

I believe we are seeing a case of the backlash hurting at least as much as the initial slap.

The allegations need to be proven and Cosby is entitled to the presumption of innocence. NBC and Netflix have been quick to distance themselves from the one-time Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, a character Cosby portrayed on the acclaimed series “The Cosby Show.”

In that show, Dr. Huxtable became the standard bearer for family men across the nation, rearing a boisterous family along with his equally successful wife, portrayed by Phylicia Rashad. More to the point, Cosby’s character became an important role model for African-American men, many of whom forsake their fatherly duties once they learn that a child is on his or her way.

I do hope these allegations lead to nowhere. However, hope by itself won’t make it so.

My fears are leading me to suspect something else might be about to transpire.