What happened: American comedian Bill Cosby, who had allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted 60 women, now walks free due to an overturned conviction. Cosby was arrested for sexual assault charges in 2018 but had now only served 2 years from his 3-10 year sentence. On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court in the U.S. ruled to undo the actor’s 2018 conviction due to a procedural issue. The prosecutor had promised Cosby legal immunity in exchange for his testimony in previous unrelated civil cases. The court then not only acquitted Cosby of all charges but also barred prosecutors from retrying him. Legal analysts believe the case will be rendered moot due to the previous immunity agreement between the prosecution and Cosby. Despite these “process violations”, the judge admitted that their ruling was unusual. Upon his release, Colby continued this narrative of being innocent of all allegations
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. #BillCosby pic.twitter.com/bxELvJWDe5— Bill Cosby (@BillCosby) June 30, 2021
People’s reaction: This prompted swift and angry expressions of grief from the public.
Heartbreaking for all survivors. #MeToo lasts forever https://t.co/0behEZS8PQ
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) June 30, 2021
His conviction was seen as a watershed moment in the #MeToo movement which then encourages multiple women to come forward with their experiences and seeking justice. However, the reversal of this conviction threatens to also reverse the success of the MeToo Movement. Andrea Constand reiterated this in a recent tweet where she states that this would discourage survivors of sexual assault from using the legal system as a means of seeking justice.
Our statement. pic.twitter.com/px4Y5cqYaZ
— Andrea Constand (@Cryptobulllady) June 30, 2021
THIS is why women do not come forward.https://t.co/6WXe4UmWXt
— E. Jean Carroll (@ejeancarroll) June 30, 2021
I am furious to hear this news. I personally know women who this man drugged and raped while unconscious. Shame on the court and this decision. #TimesUp #MeToo
Bill Cosby to Be Freed as Court Overturns His Sex Assault Conviction – The New York Times https://t.co/W34edMi1vw
— Listening in the Dark ✨Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) June 30, 2021
In a statement, Constand and her attorneys said they were not only disappointed in the ruling but concerned it could dissuade other victims from seeking justice. Moreover, the attorney responsible for charging Colby in 2015, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, noted that Wednesday’s decision was not based on the facts of the case. “My hope is that this decision will not dampen the reporting of sexual assaults by victims,” he said in a statement. “We still believe that no one is above the law – including those who are rich, famous and powerful.” Click here to see more from Propergaanda.