Smithsonian to address Cosby’s alleged behaviour

Museum planned to include items related to him without mentioning accusations

WASHINGTON— The Smithsonian now plans to acknowledge the sexual-assault allegations against Bill Cosby at its new African-American history museum on the National Mall, which will display two items related to Cosby’s career in television and standup comedy.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opens Sept. 24, will include the cover of a Cosby comedy album and a comic book from his pioneering TV drama I Spy as part of its exhibit on black entertainers and artists.

Initially, the museum planned to include historical facts about the items without mentioning the allegations, drawing criticism from some Cosby accusers.

The museum’s founding director, Lonnie Bunch, said in a statement the display would address Cosby’s alleged behaviour, although he did not specify exactly how. Dozens of women have accused Cosby, 78, of sexual abuse.

Cosby was charged last year with drugging and sexually assaulting a former Temple University worker at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004, a case that is on hold amid an appeal. He also faces several civil lawsuits.

The Smithsonian Institution has also been criticized for its recent exhibit of Cosby’s personal art collection at a different museum. The exhibit was funded almost exclusively by Cosby and his wife, Camille, in the form of a $716,000 (U.S.) gift, which Smithsonian officials did not disclose until they were specifically asked about it by The Associated Press.

Cosby had no part in funding the new museum, and the two items that will be displayed were purchased on eBay, a Smithsonian spokeswoman said earlier this week.

The decision to include them was made by the curator of the entertainment exhibit, Katy Kendrick, who said it was important to acknowledge Cosby’s contributions to American popular culture.

He was the first black actor to star in a network TV drama and his comedy albums were enormously popular, winning six consecutive Grammy Awards.

“This is not an exhibition that ‘honours or celebrates’ Bill Cosby but one that acknowledges his role, among many others, in American entertainment,” Bunch said in his statement.

“Some people feel that the Smithsonian should eliminate all mention of Bill Cosby as a result of recent revelations. We understand but respectfully disagree.”