The world was shocked last week when disgraced comedian Bill Cosby was released from prison after his sexual assault conviction was overturned.
Now, eight of the women who have accused Cosby of sexually assaulting them are speaking out to react, and they are not happy that he’s a free man.
“We put our necks on the line and then the legal system yanked the rug out from under us.”
Eight of Bill Cosby’s accusers speak exclusively with @tvkatesnow, sharing their reaction to Cosby’s release, their reflections on the last six years and their hopes for the future. pic.twitter.com/CavIlJo4Y6
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 8, 2021
Fox News reported that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Cosby’s 2018 conviction for the sexual assault of Andrea Constand last week after it was revealed that a prosecutor had previously agreed not to charge him in this case.
Cosby, 83, had served more than two years of his three-to-ten year sentence by the time he got out of prison last Wednesday. It’s been reported that he’s working on a 5-part docuseries that covers his life before, during, and after prison. And that he wants to do stand-up again.
Back Story: Bill Cosby To Be Released From Jail As Court Overturns His Sex Assault Conviction
Cosby Accusers Sound Off
During an interview with NBC Nightly News’ Kate Snow, eight of the women who have accused Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting them said that they felt “shocked,” “stunned,” and “disgusted” when they heard that he was being set free.
“The anger just kept growing and growing,” said accuser Victoria Valentino. “I’m angry at the legal system. We put our necks on the line and then the legal system yanked the rug out from under us.”
“We are revictimized time and time again throughout the whole judicial process,” she continued.
You can watch the interview here:
Kathy McKeel alleged that she feels Cosby managed to use his immense wealth to buy his way out of prison, while another accuser expressed her fears that this would send a message to young girls everywhere that they won’t be heard by the justice system if they report their abusers.
“I would say stay strong, stay faithful and talk, tell someone,” she said. “And if that person doesn’t listen, keep on telling until someone does.”
Related: Supermodel And Alleged Bill Cosby Victim Janice Dickinson Breaks Her Silence About His Release
One Accuser Puts Positive Spin On Situation
Accuser Lili Bernard tried to look at the situation more positively by pointing out that Cosby being set free does not undo him being found guilty in the first place.
“Nothing can change the fact that a jury of his peers convicted him,” she explained. “Nothing can change the fact that his own words convicted him.”
Lise-Lotte Lubin, who testified against Cosby at his trial, said she has no regrets about doing so, despite what happened last week.
“Absolutely not, I would go back and do it again,” she said. “This man has spent two years and nine months in jail, this man has lost his entire reputation, he’s lost every bit of credibility that he’s ever had.”
‘Sisterhood’ Between Cosby Accusers
The interview ended with accuser Janice Baker-Kinney talking about the “sisterhood” that has formed among the women who have accused Cosby.
“This may be the kick-start that we need for more states to get involved,” she concluded. “We’re just pissed off, and it’s relit this fire under us. We’re all angry now. It’s only going to reignite our passions for supporting others in the same position.”
Cosby was seen as America’s favorite dad for decades before more than 60 women came forward to accuse him of drugging and raping them.
While he may be out of prison, he can never get his reputation back, and this will be an eternal stain on his legacy.
However, Cosby is reportedly planning a comeback. He wants to go on tour and tell jokes.