William Henry Cosby Jr. popularly knows as Bill Cosby, has been released from jail after the top court in the state of Pennsylvania overturned his sex conviction.
In 2018, Bill was convicted of multiple sex offences after being accused of drug-facilitated sexual assault, rape, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and sexual battery.
According to his accuser, his earliest sexual offences took place in the mid-1960s.
The popular Bill Cosby Show star maintained that he was innocent and vehemently denied the accusation even after his release.
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, 2021Read More
He was accused by 60 women of drugging and raping them.
Bill admitted to casual sex and the recreational use of a sedative’ methaqualone with a number of women.
He also acknowledged the fact that his use of the prescription drug was not legal.
Bill was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison plus a fine of $25,000 (Sh2,500,000) in addition to the court costs.
He was briefly held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility before being transferred to SCI Phoenix state prison located in Skippack Township, Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Bill’s conviction on June 30, 2021, for a number of reasons.
According to the court’s decision, the conviction was based on adulterated testimony and Bill’s 5th Amendment right was infringed on when the district attorney Bruce Castor issued a press release and promised not to prosecute Bill.
On the other hand, Bill also relied on this unwritten promise by the district attorney that he would not convict Bill before testifying in the Andrea Constand case.
His release has drawn mixed reactions from the American population as well as people from around the world with some happy about his release while some rejoice at the news of his release.
Cosby drugged and raped 60 women. Do they not deserve “fairness” and justice?
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) June 30, 2021
This is why people don’t come forward.
This is why urging people to “press charges” falls short, as long as wealthy & powerful men can rape & sexually assault people for decades with impunity #MeToo
Bill Cosby will spend the rest of his sad life shamed and likely with few friends. He spent two years in prison and will never recover his reputation, and for good reason.
— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) June 30, 2021
Today's appellate ruling wasn't about him. It was about the former DA who messed things up.
Mr. Cosby you have made positive contributions to the African American community, and we stand by you!
— DH (@Dablkmanstrong) June 30, 2021
#BillCosby is free. They should never have locked him up in the first place. It was an illegal incarceration. pic.twitter.com/hqzQ3gCtW8
— Dr Boyce Watkins (@drboycewatkins1) June 30, 2021