Cosby faces anger and new legal action as conviction is overturned

THE DECISION to release American comedian Bill Cosby from prison after his sexual assault conviction was overturned has led to an outpouring of anger.

He was convicted in 2018 of drugging and molesting ex-basketball player Andrea Constand but the verdict was overturned on Wednesday.

Judges said there had been a “process violation” by the prosecution, but admitted their ruling was unusual.

Now many have expressed concern that the decision could deter women from coming forward in the future.

The decision “is not only disappointing but of concern in that it may discourage those who seek justice for sexual assault in the criminal justice system from reporting or participating in the prosecution of the assailant,” Ms Constand and her attorneys said.

Upon his release, Mr Cosby tweeted: “I have never changed my stance nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence.”

Cosby, an entertainer once known as “America’s Dad,” arrived home on Wednesday after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled he had been denied a fair trial in 2018.

The 83-year-old had served three years of a three to 10-year sentence.

After being released, Cosby appeared in a press conference outside his suburban Philadelphia home covered live by the major US TV networks.

However, he did not speak, instead relying on spokesman Andrew Wyatt.

A message has since been posted on Cosby’s official Twitter account, thanking fans who stood by him “through this ordeal”.

It said: “I have never changed my stance nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence. Thank you to all my fans, supporters and friends who stood by me through this ordeal.

“Special thanks to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law.”

The release of Cosby, once one of America’s most beloved figures but who faced dozens of assault accusations, provoked a strong reaction.

Three years ago he was convicted of drugging and assaulting Temple University sports administrator Andrea Constand in 2004.

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania court ruled the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor’s agreement not to charge the TV star.

Gloria Allred, the high-powered lawyer who represented many of Cosby’s accusers, warned the comedian is “not home free” despite being released from prison. The women’s rights activist said the conviction being overturned on technical grounds “did not vindicate (his) conduct and should not be interpreted as a statement or a finding that he did not engage in the acts of which he has been accused”.

Speaking during a press conference held over Zoom from Los Angeles, Allred said now Cosby’s criminal case was over, she could pursue a civil complaint against the star.

She represents Judy Huth, who alleges when she was 15 Cosby attacked her at the Playboy Mansion in 1974.

The case, being heard at Los Angeles Superior Court, has been paused while awaiting a conclusion in Pennsylvania.

Allred said she intends to have Cosby give evidence in the case and expects a trial date to be set “very soon”.

I have never changed my stance nor my story. A message on Bill Cosby’s Twitter account after his release from prison.