If you haven't heard, 57 women have come forward with allegations of rape, sexual assault or abuse against famed television star Bill Cosby. On Saturday, June 17th, a case involving an accusation, that Cosby committed aggravated indecent assault, ended in mistrial after the jury couldn't arrive at a unanimous consensus.

After 57 women came forward, the jury still couldn't come to a consensus.

People might say that all of these women lied, that it's some scam to bring down a "beloved" television star and his career. But to all of those accusations, I offer a simple question: why? What benefit would all of these women receive by bringing forth false accusations? They have to come forward, against a celebrity, in a society that has little chance of believing their words. They have to discuss aspects of a painful, violating experience with an unsympathetic public. Other than the potential of justice, what benefit would these women receive by supposedly attempting to "bring down" Cosby and his career?

When a woman comes forward with accusations of sexual assault, this always happens. She is doubted. She is vilified. When 57 women come forward with similar stories of drugging and violation and nothing to gain, are they all really lying? Why is it that only Cosby is receiving the benefit of the doubt?

And it's not as though there isn't any evidence against him. In an exchange with a lawyer, Cosby was asked if he intended to use quaaludes (a sedative drug) for young women with whom he wanted to have sex. To the question, he responded "yes." When mixed with alcohol, quaaludes can cause people to fall asleep and not wake up.

He admitted his intention to use drugs on women with whom he wanted to have sex. Drugs. He made such a declaration, 57 women accuse him (all involving similar stories), and still people scratch their heads and choose to disbelieve every woman rather than for a second, entertain the notion that Cosby could be guilty.

The power of being a celebrity, especially one so well-known, is astronomical in its parameters. Celebrities, for some reason, are seen as more trustworthy. Now, although I don't agree with Donald Trump on a number of issues, one quote of his reminds me eerily of this situation: "when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab 'em by the pussy."

Odd, huh, and disappointing, how frustratingly and horribly true his words appear to be.

I hope, above all, that all of these women get justice for the crimes committed against them. To all of them: I trust you. I trust the truth.