Bill Cosby Speaks About His "Innocence" As Phylicia Rashad Responds To Backlash

BY Erika Marie 4.3K Views
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Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad
"America's Dad" was released from prison and social media is divided in reactions to the news.

She has previously spoken out in support of Bill Cosby, but the public still vocalized their disappointment with Phylicia Rashad. Today (June 30), Cosby was released from prison after his conviction for sexual assault was overturned, and the global reaction to the news has been a mixed bag. His supporters have applauded the court system for releasing "America's Dad," while his detractors believe that justice was not served.

"FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted - a miscarriage of justice is corrected!" Rashad wrote in a caption to an Instagram post of a photo of Cosby. We previously reported on the beloved actress's response and she was swiftly met with backlash, and she returned to social media to show her support of sexual assault victims.

On her Instagram Story, Rashad added, "I fully support survivors of sexual assault coming forward. My post was in no way intended to be insensitive to their truth. Personally, I know from friends and family that such abuse has lifelong residual effects. My heartfelt wish is for healing."

Cosby was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison back in 2018, and throughout his incarceration, the entertainment legend has denied culpability. He asserts that he is innocent and just an hour ago, he thanked his supporters for standing by him.

"I have never changed my stance nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence," he wrote. "Thank you to all my fans, supporters and friends who stood by me through this ordeal. Special thanks to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law. #BillCosby." Following his release, the "#MeToo" hashtag has trended throughout the day. Check out both Cosby and Rashad's posts below.

Instagram Story

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.