Raven-Symoné has sparked controversy following her comments regarding Bill Cosby during a recent appearance on the podcast *Hate to Break It to Ya*. The actress, who portrayed Olivia on *The Cosby Show* from 1989 to 1992, stated that she could separate Cosby’s cultural contributions from his allegations of sexual misconduct, emphasizing, “Separate the creator from the creation.”
Cosby’s legal troubles began in 2004 with accusations from Andrea Constand, and he was ultimately convicted for sexual assault in 2018. After his release in 2021, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction due to a prior agreement that barred his prosecution.
Following Raven-Symoné’s comments, she received significant backlash online, with many accusing her of excusing Cosby’s actions. Critics highlighted the collaborative nature of *The Cosby Show’s* impact, asserting that it should not be attributed solely to Cosby.
Cosby, who resides in a Philadelphia suburb, continues to face multiple sexual assault lawsuits in various states. His public appearances have diminished significantly since his release from prison, apart from occasional mentions of his late co-star Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
- Why it matters: The backlash indicates ongoing public sensitivity towards individuals associated with figures accused of serious misconduct, which can impact brand associations and public perception in media and entertainment.
- The latest: Cosby’s spokesperson has labeled recent lawsuits against him as motivated by “greed and media attention.”
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15267011/Raven-Symone-Bill-Cosby-comments-fans-reaction.html
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15267011/Raven-Symone-Bill-Cosby-comments-fans-reaction.html