After months of high-publicity speculation, comedian Bill Cosby has been charged with sexual assault as of Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015. Cosby has been released on a $1 million bail on felony charges of aggravated indecent assault, according to reports. For many, this was expected after a staggering number of women have commented on Cosby's actions claiming that they were sexually assaulted after being drugged in his company. Consequently, reruns of the famed "The Cosby Show" has been pulled from syndication over many different networks and speculations that the accusations are part of a conspiracy to ruin the reputation of Bill Cosby and prevent him from being able to continue his legacy.
These allegations of Cosby's actions of sexual misconduct have hurt the hearts of many. Former "Cosby Show" actors like Raven-Symone and Phylicia Rashad have defended the famed personality as well as other people within the African American community. "The Cosby Show" won over the heart Black America for its groundbreaking portrayal featuring a Black family that had two parents who were a lawyer and a doctor in an affluent neighborhood while previous representations of the African American community showed a less well-off side of the Black experience. It is shocking to see a man that many looked up to be accused of such grotesque acts. However, that does not diminish the importance of these cases.
What is very surprising is how much the support for Bill Cosby during these assault allegations is how much the women who came forth had to fight to be heard. Celebrities like singer Jill Scott put down the claims by the women until the numbers grew of possible victims. Some believe that the case is a plot to tarnish Cosby's image in a time where he may have been able to become a pivotal player in prime-time programming. It's plain to see that regardless of the numbers, there is a growing reluctance to refute the wholesome, father-like image that Bill Cosby has represented for the Black community.
This reluctance is brewing danger for the future of sexual assault victims. Claims of Cosby's actions were not widely supported until multiple women testified against him. Some claims by the women were also rejected under the presumption that if they were raped, they would have mentioned it sooner. This presents the danger for possible rape victims to feel as if their assaults are their responsibility and that if they were to confess, the public would shame them.
While Bill Cosby has the chance to defend himself in the court of law, it is important to be reminded of the seriousness of rape allegations and to always provide an environment for possible sexual assault victims to be in a safe space. If you or anyone you know is dealing with sexual trauma, feel free to contact the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network to get in contact with a trained professional and receive the closest service provider in your area.
