Is it safe to say it's only a matter of time before NBC pulls the plug on the new Bill Cosby sitcom it announced this past summer? Granted, we don't know anything about where the series is at in its development, but the bad PR train has left the station for Cosby and it is only gaining momentum.
First, the numerous rape accusations against Cosby resurfaced, in part because a "comprehensive" biography of Cosby came out and didn't even mention them. Hannibal Burress called Cosby a rapist on stage, fans began turning against him, and his appearances on Queen Latifah's show and the Late Show were canceled.
And now, Barbara Bowman, who recently recounted her claim that Cosby drugged and raped her in the '80s, is going hard at NBC for putting the TV legend back on the air in what the network calls a "classic, big, extended family sitcom."
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bowman says it's not right to show Cosby playing a lovable family man on TV again.
"I think it's irresponsible to put him back in a position of a patriarchal father, in an authoritative and trusted position. I'm very disappointed that he would be endorsed in that [type of role] again."
Bowman also called the new series' portrayal a "lie" and an "insult to the public."
"It's time that the networks take a good, hard look at who they're supporting and where the money is coming [from]."
Cosby's lawyer released a new statement on Sunday:
"Over the last several weeks, decade-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have resurfaced. The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment. He would like to thank all his fans for the outpouring of support and assure them that, at age 77, he is doing his best work. There will be no further statement from Mr. Cosby or any of his representatives."
[Via The Hollywood Reporter]
