Without a doubt, I (along with the rest of the nation) would have to face this day with either solemnness and tears or happiness and thoughts of a conga line and popping champagne. But the day has finally come: the man once known as one of the greatest comedians and comedic actors in all of American television and "America's Dad" will now be known as a "sexually violent predator" for the rest of his life, and quite possibly the rest of time.
Bill Cosby was formally sentenced to "no less than" 3 years and up to 10 years in state prison after his retrial earlier in the year based on an accusation of drugging and sexual assault at his home in 2004 by former friend/Temple University employee Andrea Constand. Cos will now spend
When I watched the news, I had a big mix of emotions. I was both saddened by the news as (of course) I grew up watching his works all throughout childhood and saw him as more than just as actor and comedian that we loved to laugh with, but also an inspiring father figure to look up to and want to be like. I also felt happy and relieved, most for Ms. Constand as she now has the justice and vindication she truly deserves, and that after a while I of rooting for Cosby and not believing the women accusers at first (I now regret that), I now happy that they at least have some vindication as well.
I do feel sorry for his immediate family and the work families he's spent much of his career and life with as the man they see and loved as the loving, wholesome, important figure and icon in the entertainment industry and a loving. caring, strong-willed father has now been tainted forever by and the (credible) accusations of sexual abuse and forced inebriation by over 60+ women (not that they had no right to come forward and tell their stories against all odds). It's going to be hard to to shake off all of this for some type of comeback but in the court of public opinion, it's going to stay a part of his repertoire forevermore. And I honestly do feel a bit sorry for Cosby, as his career is now forever tarnished and destroyed to a million little pieces; but at this point my solemn for him is as big as the hair on my arms (there barely are any).
Will I still watch Cosby's TV shows? Yes, without a doubt.
Will it be the same? From now on, No, not really.
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Well... it finally happened.
America's Dad is no longer a trustworthy, loving, caring, knowledgeable family man we all knew and loved. Now, he's seen mostly as sexual maniac with no regard for the safety and well-being of women.
Throughout last April, the embattled and now disgraced actor/comedian was subjected to a retrial based on allegations of sexual misconduct by over 50 women spanning nearly 4 decades. The youngest accusation came from Andrea Constand, a friend of Cosby's who worked at his Alma mater Temple University. She claimed she was sexually assaulted by Cosby at his Philadelphia suburb home in 2004. After a wild first trial, a shocking deposition being released and a heavy, powerful end in a hung jury, this retrial's verdict left me so conflicted.
I was stunned that Cosby was found guilty, but also happy for his victims. We never got to see them on the stand under their own trials, because the statute of limitations expired over time, but had their accusations successfully went to court, we would've a lot worse for Cosby. But then again, a sentence of 30 years for him (who's 80 as of posting this) is insane. He will certainly die in prison after he's formally sentenced, and I don't know if I'll ever watch anything with him in it or with his name tied to it. But it is a little sad when you see his legacy destroyed. Critically-acclaimed TV shows and stand-up routines, Jell-O endorsements, love and support of adoring fans? Gone.
But I'll be damned if I say he didn't deserved it.
I wish Ms. Constand and the other victims well moving forward.