Somebody come get Akon. The early 2000s hit maker recently shared some words in defense of Bill Cosby, who currently faces up to 30 years in prison after being convicted of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand.
Two weeks ago a jury found The Cosby Show star and comedian guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault for an incident that occurred in his Philadelphia home in 2004.
“You don't really know if he did it or he didn't do it," Akon told TMZ, whose cameraman reminded the singer Cosby was convicted. "Yeah, but it's been a lot of people convicted that's been innocent. In situations like this you just...I don't know. I've already been painted a picture of Bill Cosby. He's a hero to me from the pictures that's been painted. It's hard to flip that around because I grew up as a child looking up to this man. And I wasn't there at the trial, so whatever was revealed or whatever was...these are allegations from 30 to 40 years ago."
It’s understandably hard for fans of the once beloved comedian and actor to reckon with the reality of Cosby’s sentencing, but when 60 women come forward accusing one man of nearly—and in some cases precisely—identical crimes, it’s difficult to imagine every single one of them is lying.
"I mean, whatever the law requires, man," Akon said. "I mean at this point, Bill Cosby's life has been well-lived...it's horrible to kind of think about it how someone could have that much impact in the world and have their legacy just be crashed, you know? I don't know to the extent of all the facts that's been put in."
I recommend that Akon read some of the harrowing accounts from Cosby accusers, and consider how horrible an impact the comedian's legacy has had on them.
The singer left the conversation on somewhat hopeful note for Cosby, saying that even those who have been convicted of crimes can turn their life around. "If the law doesn't catch you, karma will eventually," he said. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Akon.
