Hollywood legend Bill Cosby is no stranger to controversy. The 79-year-old comedian has been the center of a sexual assault case that ended in the judge declaring a mistrial.
Following the mistrial announcement, Cosby made an announcement of his own--he wants to educate young people about sexual assault and the legal system.
Cosby is planning to conduct these educational sessions during several "Town Hall" sessions in which the goal is to educate young people about how their misbehavior could create a chain of other issues.
Andrew Wyatt, one of Cosby's spokesmen, said that the situation at hand is bigger than Cosby.
"This issue can affect any young person, especially young athletes of today," Wyatt said. "They need to know what they're facing when they're hanging out and partying."
Since the forthcoming announcement, many people have not had positive responses regarding Cosby's new plans. Actress Emily Osment tweeted, "And we wonder why women have a difficult time coming forward about sexual assault. #BillCosby #Trump."
While Twitter user Jacob Stark tweeted, "Bill Cosby holding town halls on sexual assault is like the KKK holding a rally for civil rights".
Jodi Omear, a spokeswoman for the anti-sexual violence organization RAINN, suggested that Cosby talked to people about how to not commit sexual assault in the first place.
Sexual assault is something that should never be taken lightly. The people that go through these experiences will never be the same again. As someone who has been sexually assaulted, I can tell you first hand that it gets easier over time, but it's definitely something you battle mentally every single day.
According to DoSomething.org, rape survivors are 13 times more likely to commit suicide than those who have not been victims of a crime. Over a third of women who are raped as minors are also raped as adults.
While Cosby is free for now, the Montgomery County District Attorney, Kevin Steele, has made it clear that he plans to retry the case against Cosby, who remains charged with three second-degree felony counts of aggravated indecent assault.
The first place Cosby will be visiting on this Town Hall tour will be in Birmingham at some point in July, specific date and venue to be announced soon.