The Scandal Surrounding Bill Cosby: A Summary of News Articles
The New York Times news article headline states, Bill Cosby is Found Guilty of Sexual Assault while the Washington Post labels the article, Bill Cosby convicted on three counts of sexual assault. Both articles were published on 26th April 2018.
Bill Cosby, a Famous Entertainer, Faces Allegations of Assault
The main individual involved in the scandal is Bill Cosby who is in his 80s. He is among one of the world’s most famous entertainers in the acting industry famously known for "the Cosby Show". Mr. Bill is charged with three counts of assault. In the scandal, the jury finds him guilty of the allegations made which is the beginning of the entertainer’s downfall. The allegation is made by a woman who claims to have been assaulted by Bill 14 years ago. Her name is Andrea Constand, who the New York Times report that she worked at the Temple University when the assault occurred. There are other women who have raised the issue of assault over the years of Bill’s career. She is the only one at the witness stand while most victims refuse to move forward and testify. The Washington Post article stated that the allegations in court began in late 2014 which had him charged with assault in December 2014. It states that the victims are at least 60 women. The claims however began in his early ages in his acting career.
The Trial: Legal Representation and Opinions
The New York Times claims Mr. Bill’s case is categorized as a first high- profile of sexual assault. He is presented in front of a jury in the Montgomery County Courthouse. The women assaulted by Mr. Cosby were represented by a lawyer, Gloria Allred. Mr. Cosby was represented by several lawyers including Kathleen Bliss who stated that some of the women claiming to have been assaulted were publicity seekers and starlets who slept around. It faced an uproar from a prosecutor claiming the allegations to be shameless. Thomas A. Mesereau Jr. is his lead lawyer who is known to defend high- end clients to victory. The scandal portrays a powerful man in the entertainment industry brought to justice after years of drugging and assaulting women for his pleasure. He did it by having them trust him which gave him an opening to drug and assault them. His power guarded the victims’ voices from being listened to or believed. One of the lawyers claims that the victim at the witness stand is always confused and has an aim to extort money from the actor. The Washington Post addresses the statements as made by six women who were victims on their encounters with Mr. Cosby. Most victims were lured by being promised on assistance with their aspiring acting careers. It goes ahead to give the names of the women who gave the statements. The New York Times reserve stating names of the various victims.
Reactions and Verdict
Opinions of the ongoing scandal were expressed in the #MeToo which saw many people come out to give opinions on the verdict given. They claimed it to be a watershed moment where everyone can be put to justice. The news articles sought for opinions on if people thought that the #MeToo movement contributed to the jury’s decision. The New York Times article presents the National Organization for Women opinion on the verdict, “notice to sexual predators everywhere”. Another assault victim’s, Rose McGowan, feedback on the verdict is stated in the article. She wrote a tweet to the Jury thanking them and the society for raising their voices. Contributions of the prosecutors and lawyers are stated in the two news articles.
The Verdict, Impact, and Remaining Questions
The New York Times news article choice of words displays the depth of Cosby’s actions, “aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand”. Mr. Cosby is found to rather have a temper when he creates an outburst after being denied bail because of the claim that he owns a plane and would use to escape. New York Times quotes his angry outburst, “He doesn’t have a plane, you asshole.” The news article on the Washington Post censors the word asshole. The judge however offers him bail with the claim that he was not a flight risk. The Washington Post is descriptive in expressing its words. It states Mr. Cosby’s state as one of the most thundering falls from grace. It describes how he was groomed and the emotions he displayed in the court room. It also expresses the emotions displayed by the victims and the villain upon verdict. It mentions of victims who burst into tears from the back row seat upon verdict.
Conclusion: Cosby's Sentencing and Implications
The news article covers the hearing of Bill Cosby’s case and his verdict in the Montgomery County Courthouse. The charges on all the three assault counts are stated to each be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The New York Times also state that the victim, Andrea, had moved to court more than once but never got justice. The Washington Post claims the possibility of Mr. Cosby being judged even before his trial. Both news articles give a flow of information from the trial to the final verdict.
There is a significant omission of all the ladies who have claimed to have been assaulted by Bill. They would tend to feel like justice has not been served to them. Regardless of their mentions, it gives women assaulted by male predators a voice to fight for their justice. An omission of the set date by the judge to sentence Mr. Bill is not given. It however states that Mr. Bill is not allowed to move from his home while serving bail. The New York Times does not give a quantitative report on whether the #MeToo movement contributed to the jury’s verdict while the Washington Post does not give substantive information on its claims of Mr. Cosby being judged before his trial. The New York Times fails to talk about Mr. Cosby’s family whom the Washington Post claims were not present through the trial period especially his two daughters. The wife however makes an appearance severally but does not show up for the last verdict day. He did not receive support due to the strained marriage he led due to his numerous infidelity cases. It ruined his relationship especially with his children. His numerous fans did not show up either. It was evident as the fans seats reserved at the front of the court room were never occupied. The victims however show up for court hearings and seat in silence in the courtroom. There are a majority of awaiting supporters outside the courtroom awaiting the verdict. The New York Times stated that there were six trial days while the Washington Post states there were twelve days of testimony.
References
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/26/arts/television/bill-cosby-guilty-retrial.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/bill-cosby-convicted-on-three-counts-of-sexual-assault/2018/04/26/d740ef22-4885-11e8-827e-190efaf1f1ee_story.html?noredirect=on"utm_term=.dfbb1d5de520
