It looks like “Cosby Show” co-star Phylicia Rashad is the only one who’s happy about Bill Cosby’s release from prison.
Hollywood celebs decried the decision Wednesday en masse on Twitter and other social media platforms, along with many others.
Woody Allen accuser Dylan Farrow posted this social media statement:
“For those who question myself and other survivors about the reasons and timing of coming forward, I hope that today will serve a teachable moment on empathy and why it takes years — if ever — for someone to discuss their abuse,” Farrow wrote. “Many survivors will look at the events of today and decide it’s not worth it; that even when justice is served, it can be taken away.”
And here’s a Twitter sample from earlier in the day:
Along with the social media, Hollywood’s Women in Film Organization expressed shock and dismay in a statement to TheWrap, as well as offering help to those in the entertainment industry struggling with sexual assault and abuse:
“Today’s news is a setback in the fight for justice for sexual assault survivors. When the system disregards dozens of accusers in a situation like this—because of a technical loophole, not because of the proof that led to sentencing—it creates the perception that it’s “not worth it” for victims to come forward. We strongly support all sexual assault survivors hearing this news today. We call on everyone in a position of power in the screen industries to put an end to the culture of silence and acceptance that allowed Cosby to prey on so many women.
The WIF Help Line (855) 943-5463 is available to anyone in the entertainment industry who has experienced abuse or harassment at work.”
Anita Hill, Chair of The Hollywood Commission, made the following statement on the Cosby decision on Wednesday:
“The Cosby ruling demonstrates how failures in our criminal justice systems make accountability for sexual assault impossible. Questionable non-prosecution agreements are only one problem. Also troubling is the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling left open the question of whether evidence provided by five women to show a pattern of abuse was admissible. For decades, victims and survivors have called for reform in the way sexual assault cases are handled by police and prosecutors. But the dire need for improvement to our systems isn’t limited to criminal prosecutions. Sexual assault, harassment and extortion happens in workplaces every day. Systems that ensure accountability for powerful abusers, protect workers and prevent agreements that shield abusers are urgently needed in entertainment and other industries.”
