By NICHOLAS NEGRON
Opinion Editor
The reputation of Bill Cosby has been completely shattered. More than 50 women have accused Cosby of rape, drug-induced sexual battery or sexual assault. The media has labeled the former family man a “serial rapist.”
However, it is not difficult to develop this title in one’s mind without the help of media influence. The accusers have similar stories as to how Cosby drugged, raped, violated or attempted to assault them. Coming forward with a sexual assault experience is painful enough, without it being internationally covered.
The accusers have been forced to relive these horrific experiences, in the hopes of spreading awareness to the vile person that Bill Cosby truly is. Their stories have been displayed on the cover of New York Magazine, in a feature titled, for short, “I’m No Longer Afraid.” These women have given televised interviews to various news outlets, attempting not to break down in tears. The torment of relieving such a traumatic experience is clearly evident.
There are few legal recourses to arrest Cosby, as the statute of limitations has run its course in most cases. Renita Chancey Hill claims Cosby began an inappropriate relationship with her from the age of 15. A judge also ruled Cosby can be deposed in the Janice Dickinson case. These, along with a few other isolated incidents, are these women’s last hope to see their abuser pay for the physical and mental damage he inflicted on them.
Renita Hill alleges that she and Cosby began this relationship in 1982. At the age of 15 years old, he allegedly made cocktails for her. After consuming the drinks, she would black out, and wake up in bed. She does not know if Cosby raped her because she was unconscious after consuming these cocktails.
Joan Tarshis claims she woke up to Cosby raping her after he mixed her a drink in 1969. The same goes for Victoria Valentino, except she claims he offered her pills instead. Supermodel Beverly Johnson also accused Cosby of drugging her. Thankfully, she claims she was able to resist his advances and leave Cosby’s residence.
Supermodel Janice Dickinson is known for her zany tactics and history of addiction. She claims that after she left rehab for a drug addiction, Cosby invited her over to his hotel. Dickinson alleges that after taking the wine and pill that Cosby offered her, she woke up to him raping her. Wendy Williams and the talk show hosts on “The View” speculated about whether Dickinson is the right woman to be the public figure leading the movement to seek charges for Cosby.
She alluded to the rape in a 2006 interview on “The Howard Stern Show.” She claimed not being able to go into detail about the incident, out of the fear of being sued. Both Janice Dickinson and Beverly Johnson attempted to write about their experiences in memoirs, but were halted by their publishers.
Over the years, Cosby has prevented multiple women from coming forward with their stories by paying “hush money.” He has also legally pursued Andrea Constand, his first accuser back in 2005. Cosby alleges Constand breached the confidentiality agreement that garnered her the money by speaking out against him. Constand alleges that Cosby did drug her and make her touch his genitals.
She brought a civil lawsuit on him in 2006. This was when Cosby admitted in a deposition that he consensually supplied women with Quaaludes before sex. Constand’s case is one of the only ones where the statute of limitations is not up. In a recent district attorney race in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, both candidates said they would charge Cosby. It is only a matter of time as Kevin Steele, a Democrat, was recently elected.
There is ample fear associated with targeting a man who was until recently one of the most powerful and wholesome figures in American television, especially in the African-American community.
When allegations first started becoming public, people were leery to believe. How can Dr. Huxtable be such a disgusting and violent pathetic excuse for a man? He was a father figure for millions. “The Cosby Show” was a great cultural impact on the Black community. It was one of the first sitcoms portraying a successful and educated African-American family.
It taught valuable life lessons; and integrated policies that Cosby stood for. He does not like rap music, or people sagging their pants below the waist. Cosby even called Eddie Murphy, back in the 80s, and asked him not to swear in his comedy routines. He seemed like such a wholesome man, and that was reflected in the sitcom.
Reruns have now been pulled off the air. Is this just? Because of this, other actors from the show will not earn an income from syndication anymore. Phylicia Rashad, Malcom-Jamal Warner and Raven-Symone have all spoken against taking the show off the air. But can you separate the character of Dr. Huxtable from the alleged serial rapist that is Bill Cosby?
It may have been easier if the show was not titled after Cosby. How can parents allow their children to watch this excellent example of an educated minority family, knowing that women have accused Cosby of drugging them and raping them?
Ebony Magazine’s November issue cover features the literal shattered remains of “The Cosby Show.” During the time of the show, homicides in the Black community were higher than ever before. The AIDs epidemic hit America. Crack-cocaine use was on the rise. “The Cosby Show” was a beacon of hope, to instill values in single-parent households. It filled a void.
But there are other shows. “Family Matters,” “The Jefferson’s” and even “Sister Sister” feature well-rounded African- American households. Still, it is not the same. “The Cosby Show” was the quintessential representation of successful Black America. It may never appear on television again.
The New York Magazine’s cover, published in July, featured 35 accusers, and an empty chair. That empty chair is what I am most concerned about. It represents the potential women who may have been victimized, but are too scared or to embarrassed to let their stories come out. After the magazine’s story was released, more women did choose to come forward.
For those who have yet to come forward in the allegations against Cosby, or anyone else for that matter, they were abused and treated vilely. I cannot fathom the anguish and mental torment that comes with sexual assault. It must be devastating, to say the least.
But there is power in bringing abuse into the light. It is healing. Putting a rapist behind bars is protection for every man, woman and child. It is my hope that in the Cosby case, we have heard the last accuser speak. It would be even more disastrous to hear that another woman was allegedly victimized by this psychopath. But, if there is, I hope she comes forward.
I hope that the similar stories and incidents of over 50 women will be enough to put Bill Cosby away for the rest of his miserable existence.
More importantly, I hope these women are finally now able to find peace.
