"Bill Cosby Released Amid Backlash Over Ignoring Dozens of Accusers"

First Celebrity Convicted After MeToo...Dozens of Sexual Assaults
Supreme Court Overturns Lower Court: "Did Not Receive Fair Judicial Process"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Following the release of American comedian Bill Cosby (83), who had been imprisoned for sexual offenses, criticism has arisen mainly from women's rights activists and organizations, foreign media reported on the 1st.

Since the start of the 'Me Too' movement, which exposes sexual violence victims, Cosby became the first American celebrity to be convicted of sexual offenses. His release has raised concerns that it could undermine the efforts made so far.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Cosby's sexual assault conviction and ordered his release on the 30th of last month. Having served over two years since 2018, he was released immediately after the ruling.

The state Supreme Court did not deny the sexual assault charges themselves but ruled that Cosby did not receive a fair judicial process.

After his release, Cosby stated on Twitter, "I have never changed my position or related stories," adding, "I have always maintained my innocence."

Legal and women's groups have strongly opposed the ruling, warning that it could set back the Me Too movement.

Women in Film, a nonprofit group supporting equality in the entertainment industry, issued a statement saying, "The (criminal justice) system ignored dozens of accusers not because of evidence that led to the conviction but due to technical loopholes," pointing out that "this gives victims the perception that coming forward is 'worthless.'"

Time's Up, an organization that emerged after the sexual assault revelations against Hollywood mogul producer Harvey Weinstein, emphasized that the victims related to Cosby "showed great courage by risking personal danger to stand up against someone with great power."

Chairwoman Tina Chen said, "I hope the ruling against Cosby does not discourage other victims from speaking out," adding, "Because we need to build better measures to hold perpetrators accountable."

Andrea Constand, a sexual assault victim of Cosby, and her attorney expressed that the ruling is "not only disappointing but also concerning as it could discourage those seeking justice for sexual violence within the criminal justice system."

Previously, Cosby was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison by a trial court for drugging and sexually assaulting Constand, a staff member of the women's basketball team at his alma mater Temple University, at his home in the Philadelphia suburbs in 2004.

Once popular as the exemplary father figure in the 1980s hit sitcom "The Cosby Show" and known as "America's Dad," he is reported to have sexually assaulted more than 50 women over 50 years. However, most cases were beyond the statute of limitations, and only charges related to Constand were prosecuted.

In 2005, prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence for criminal prosecution and promised not to indict Cosby in exchange for his testimony in a civil lawsuit.

However, prosecutors later arrested Cosby based on testimony from the civil trial and charged him with sexual assault.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.