Reaction to jury verdict handed to ‘America’s Dad’

Reaction to Bill Cosby’s conviction on charges of drugging and molesting a woman in the first big celebrity trial of the #MeToo era:

“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.” — Harvey Weinstein accuser Rose McGowan, via Twitter.

“Omg. This made me cry. ” — #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, on seeing video of women running from the courtroom weeping and embracing, via Twitter.

“Unbelievably amazing news !!!!! ” — Weinstein accuser Mira Sorvino, via Twitter.

“Just because you’re rich and powerful doesn’t mean another person’s body is automatically available for sex. Consent must be given. #BillCosby” — Jessica Chastain, via Twitter.

“The Cosby conviction is a resonant reminder that power and influence come with significant responsibility, and must never, ever be abused in an evolved society. Hopefully, this is only the first step forward.” — Seth MacFarlane, via Twitter.

“More importantly, I haven’t forgotten about the many women you assaulted and silenced with your power. Good riddance!!!” — Larry Wilmore, via Twitter.

“Bill Cosby going down epic. Finally a conviction. Finally justice.” — Tina Brown, via Twitter.

“This made me burst into tears.” — Weinstein accuser Annabella Sciorra, on watching women exit courtroom in tears, via Twitter.

“Heard a man on tv reminiscing about the Cosby of old, & expressing bewilderment over the duality of such a revered paternal figure also being a predator & rapist. Yep. You’re starting to get the point, buddy.” — Andy Richter, via Twitter.

“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.” — Padma Lakshmi, via Twitter.

“The state of America is this — Even with dozens of accusers, we were all afraid Bill Cosby would walk.” — Patricia Arquette, via Twitter.

“Hallelujah. It’s about damn time. #FinallyHimToo And I hope Stormy wins and all the other women break those NDA’s so all of these (expletives) fall down.” — Writer Terry McMillan, via Twitter.

“#BillCosby guilty & facing spending the rest of his natural life behind bars — that is IF convictions can withstand certain appeal based on trial judge’s allowance of five additional alleged victims testimony.” — Geraldo Rivera, via Twitter.