‘Finally some justice’: Hollywood weighs in on Cosby
Los Angeles Times
Bill Cosby was found guilty Thursday on charges he drugged and sexually assaulted Andrea Constand, and many in Hollywood immediately celebrated the news on social media.
The verdict came after the jury’s 13 hours of deliberation, less than a year after a previous panel was unable to reach consensus on the charges.
The accusations against Mr. Cosby, from dozens of women who say the comedian drugged and assaulted them, started long before the dawn of the #MeToo revolution. But many in Hollywood credit the movement with opening people’s eyes to the reality of improper behavior and abuse of power.
As reactions to the verdict pour in, here are a few thoughts from celebrities.
Rose McGowan: “Cosby is guilty. I’m sorry if you loved a lie. His victims can now exhale. Thank you judge and jury. Thank you society for waking up.”
Patricia Arquette: “The state of America is this — Even with dozens of accusers we were all afraid Bill Cosby would walk.”
Chelsea Handler: “I wonder how long it’s going to take Trump to announce he’s going to pardon Bill Cosby.”
Ana Gasteyer: “In our culture women are speaking out more & more, but the Cosby trial reminds us that male advocacy is still vital. @hannibalburess spoke truth to the disgrace of Cosby’s behavior & that perspective mattered.”
Kathy Griffin: “I can’t stop thinking about all the old farts in Hollywood that knew. They knew the whole time. The networks, the producers, the studios. Time’s not up yet . ... ”
Hal Sparks: “I first heard this bit when I was 9 years old and even then I knew it was dirtier than Anything I had heard On a Carlin, Pryor or even a Lenny Bruce record. Hated it. Still do — Bill Cosby Jokes About Drugging Girls with ‘Spanish Fly’ In 1969 Comedy ...”
Neko Case: “The #MeToo movement is vital, crushingly sad and inspiring. Cosby verdict is HUGE. I also wanna know how it’s going for humans abused by the NON-famous? As a person abused by only non-famous I can’t see much change. Can we all talk about this? I’m sure I’ve missed things too.”
Ana Navarro: “One of the hard parts about supporting #MeToo movement, is being consistent even when the perpetrators are people we like or admired or who made us laugh for decades. Zero Tolerance, means Zero Tolerance. Even when it is Dr. Huckstable. [sic] ...”
Padma Lakshmi: “In a fitting end to Sexual Assault Awareness month, Bill Cosby was found guilty today. Thinking of all the women he traumatized over the past 50 years. As a survivor myself, I know that pain never fully goes away. But I hope that his victims finally feel some semblance of peace.”
Elizabeth Banks: “Finally some justice for Bill Cosby’s victims. May they find a little #peace today. #GUILTY”
Kyle Kuzma: “Most of these youngins out here don’t even know who HeathCliff Huxtable was. Bill Cosby had one of the best shows of all time.”
John Lurie: “How about — in the future, in cases like Bill Cosby or Weinstein, these women don’t have to devote 15 to 20 years of their lives, fighting to get justice, while being degraded the entire time?”
Akilah Hughes: “Good riddance to Bill Cosby!”
Wil Wheaton: “Good. Die in prison, you unapologetic rapist.”