Following news that Bill Cosby has been charged for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand, a number of women who have accused the comedian of similar crimes have spoken out.
Speaking to TMZ Wednesday, six of Cosby’s more than two-dozen accusers thanked Pennsylvania prosecutors for their work in bringing charges to the 78-year-old.
(Through an attorney) Andrea Constand:
On behalf of our client, Andrea Constand we wish to express our appreciation to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the County Detectives and the Cheltenham Police Department for the consideration and courtesy they have shown Andrea during this difficult time.
We have the utmost confidence in Mr. Steele, Ms. Feden and their team, who have impressed us with their professionalism. In that this matter is now being pursued in the criminal justice system, we will not comment further.
Sarita Butterfield:
I believe that now people are now seeing him for what he really is.
If I could tell his wife something, I would tell her, ‘Shame on you for being an accessory to his criminal act.’ She should be charged also as an accomplice.
Sammie Mays:
I nearly lost faith this day might never happen. I am looking forward to seeing my rapist in an episode of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and myself in a cameo visiting the bastard — driving to the prison, jamming to some upbeat tunes, deciding what it is that I will say. Prisoners have little time to visit you know?
I know (it’s a woman’s prison), I don’t give damn. Any prison is good enough as long as I see him behind bars. Please don’t let him die without being convicted because it will save his reputation.
Carla Ferrigno:
Very, very, very happy that finally someone brought this down. I am pleased he will finally have consequences for his behavior. God bless Andrea.
Patricia Steuer:
I’m very emotional about it. It feels like it’s come full circle. I feel joy and hope it continues to keep the conversation about rape and assault and stats about how long it takes women to come forward.
I hope this just isn’t about Cosby. I hope more women come forward when they are raped. The truth always comes out. Not in a mean spirited way … just the truth always comes out.
Katherine McKee:
I am so relieved, a load has been lifted. I couldn’t feel happier.
Deep down, I thought Bill was going to get away with it. He’s so rich and powerful, it seemed as though these kinds of people get away with these things.
Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele said Wednesday morning at a press conference, “We are here to announce today charges that have just been filed against William Henry Cosby.”
Constand, a former Temple University basketball employee, told police Cosby drugged and violated her at his home in Cheltenham Township, near Philadelphia, in 2004.
Steele said Cosby had been charged with felony aggravated indecent assault and was expected to be arraigned later on Wednesday
Mr. Steele also said charges were filed as a result of new information that came to light just months ago and because the statute of limitations was set to expire in January.
Steele told reporters his team examined evidence that showed Mr. Cosby “established a relationship with the victim,” who worked for Temple’s basketball program.
“Reopening this case was not a question,” he said. “Today, we are able to seek justice on behalf of the victim.”
Steele said in 2004, Cosby made two sexual advances that were rejected by Constand. He then allegedly urged her to “take pills and drink wine,” which rendered her unable to move when the alleged assault took place.
Steele also asked anyone who might be a victim, or who has any further information regarding Cosby, to come forward.
Cosby settled a civil suit with Constand for an undisclosed amount of money in 2006. In July of this year, his full testimony during a 2005 deposition was published by the New York Times.
At his deposition, Cosby reportedly referred to Quaalude pills as “disco biscuits,” and defending having previously given the drug to women in exchange for sex acts.
Cosby has been accused of drugging and/or sexually assaulting dozens of women. He has maintained his innocence.
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