‘I have always maintained my innocence’
Bill Cosby has been released from prison after sexual assault charges were dropped by Pennsylvania State Supreme Court.
It is understood that the court discovered that a previous prosecutor made a deal not to charge Cosby. The former comedian served over two years of a potential 3-10 year sentence before being released.
Following his release from prison, the 83-year-old stated: “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,” he added.
Cosby was found guilty of drugging and molesting former basketball player Andrea Constand in 2018.
Numerous women came forward with sexual assault and drugging claims, but the court has now claimed that too many accusers testified at Cosby’s trial.
Bill Cosby released from prison, returns home after Pennsylvania court overturns sex assault conviction: https://t.co/P72NQBH0xp pic.twitter.com/Q7MkqjkjMy
— #WVTM13 (@WVTM13) June 30, 2021
The actor’s conviction was a landmark moment for the #MeToo movement, but his release has resulted in uproar and heartbreak across the world.
Lawyer Gloria Allred told Variety: “This decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court today to overturn the conviction of Bill Cosby must be devastating for Bill Cosby’s accusers.”
“My heart especially goes out to those who bravely testified in both of his criminal cases. I represented a majority of the prior bad act accusers who testified.
When people ask why women don't report and don't have faith in the justice system, this ? is why #CosbyReleased
Women's Aid is here to believe and support women & their children. Today our thoughts are with the brave women who reported #BillCosby for sexual assault. #Solidarity https://t.co/8sGOgNr78P
— Women's Aid (@womensaid) July 1, 2021
“Despite the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision, this was an important fight for justice and even though the court overturned the conviction on technical grounds, it did not vindicate Bill Cosby’s 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.”
