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Readers Share Opinions About Bill Cosby Revelation
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Earlier this week, a judge unsealed the 2005 depositions by popular comedian Bill Cosby.
The documents reportedly revealed that Cosby, while under oath, admitted to obtain- ing drugs and giving them to women he wanted to have sex with. More than two dozen women have recently come forth alleging Cosby’s im- proper sexual conduct.
Cosby, 77, had denied the allegations, although he settled out of court with one woman. No criminal charges have been filed against Cosby.
Cosby’s admission had re- portedly been kept sealed. U. S. District Judge Eduardo Ro- breno released the documents after the Associated Press request.
Judge Robreno cited Cosby’s 2004 “Pound Cake” speech, where he blasted African Americans for not tak- ing personal responsibility, bad parenting, and crime, and not taking responsibility. Cosby was addressing crime and the lack of fathers being involved in their children’s lives.
Cosby admitted in the dep- osition that he obtained seven prescriptions for Quaaludes in the 1970s and said he wanted to give them to women he wanted to have sex with. However, he has never admitted to actually giving anyone the drugs.
The information in the doc- uments has already had a back- lash affect on Cosby. On Tuesday night, Walt Disney World removed a statue of Cosby from its Hollywood Stu- dios.
Some Sentinel readers shared their opinions about the
current events involving Bill Cosby.
Bishop Matthew Williams said, “I have been a lifelong fan of his, but we all have our dark sides and if we are not careful it will resurface.
“I will pray for him and I hope he doesn’t lose his mind over this because of his age. Paraphrasing, Bishop Williams said, ‘there is a Scripture that says be you sure your sins will find you out,’ and that applies to all of us.
“I hate that he has to go through this, but I teach, preach, and live that you don’t play with the devil, because he doesn’t play fair, and he will give pleasure to the flesh. Even with all of the good he has done, one bite of the apple has changed his life forever. I don’t think it’s fair to remove his statue. His awards and acco- lades were given because he was wonderful and because of all of his achievements.”
Ms. Ann Jenkins said, “I
believe that Bill Cosby earned those statutes and awards years ago, and this is called History and no matter what happened those many years ago, no one can take history away from you.
“Look at all the contribu- tions he has accomplished. Are they going to give them back? I don't think so. I can't say what I want to say, but, God Bless you, Mr. Cosby, and God bless America.
“Brothers, be careful out there when you get your money. They are after it, and
they don't care how long it takes them to get it. I love you Tampa.”
Danny Green said, I think
Bill Cosby is a great man, but if he is guilty, he should pay for his crime. But, it doesn’t take away from the great things he has accomplished. He should keep his awards and statues.
“There are a lot of actors and actresses who have skele- tons in their closets. I can’t un- derstand why some of those women waited 30 and 40 years to say something.”
Billy Wheeler said, “It re-
minds me of the old adage, ‘What’s done in the dark will come to the light.’ Perhaps, his statues and awards can serve to remind us not to judge, admon- ish, and point out others' per-
ceived flaws when we ourselves are imperfect. Who among us is qualified to 'cast a stone?”
Ms. Tonya Lewis said,
“My opinion is, Yes! It’s very sad Bill Cosby abused these women in a disgraceful way. It doesn’t matter what position these individuals may have put themselves, it does not warrant his despicable actions. I'm in agreement of the removal.”
Ms. Pat Spencer said,
“The report that I read stated that he admitted to purchasing a type of drug to use with women that he wanted to have sex with. I did not see that he admitted that he drugged some of the women who filed com- plaints against him. But this, like other articles, will have more than one side to it.
“I feel if he is found guilty of the charges, at that time there needs to be a decision on re- moving any public display of his. They do not indicate that he did nothing wrong, but honor him for the talent and good that he did. I do think we need to spend more of our time on why our young kids are killing each other, and why our community is being quiet, when they know what is going on, so we can have a better life for all.”
Ralph Smith said, “It re- ally saddens me to watch yet another one of our once well- respected figures go down in infamy after such an awesome career. It also simply boggles my mind to think that this young handsome star would have thought it necessary to al- legedly drug and rape women to satisfy his libido.
“I don't think there is any choice except to remove the statues and awards from public places. Otherwise, we would celebrate the most prolific se- rial rapist of all time.”
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A