Major Controversies Surrounding Bill Cosby: A Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Bill Cosby.
William Henry Cosby Jr. is a former American comedian, actor, and media personality. He achieved fame in film, television, and stand-up comedy, most notably as Cliff Huxtable in The Cosby Show. Cosby's fatherly image and long career made him a pop culture icon. However, starting in 2014, numerous allegations of sexual assault surfaced, leading to the end of his career and a tarnished reputation.
1963: 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
In 1963, the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed injuring 22 people, killing four girls. This event was part of the documentary "4 Little Girls" in which Bill Cosby was interviewed.
December 1965: Earliest Allegation Against Cosby
In December 1965, Kristina Ruehli alleged that Cosby had drugged and assaulted her at his Beverly Hills home.
1965: Accusations of alleged assaults by Cosby committed against them
Between 1965 and 2004, actress Louisa Moritz, actor Lou Ferrigno's wife Carla, Florida nurse Therese Serignese, Playboy Playmates Valentino and Sarita Butterfield, actress Michelle Hurd, and eleven other women made accusations of alleged assaults by Cosby committed against them
1969: Cindra Ladd alleges sexual assault by Cosby
In January 2015, Cindra Ladd alleged that in 1969 Bill Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her.
1975: Judy Huth alleges sexual assault by Cosby
In 2014, Judy Huth filed a civil suit against Bill Cosby in California, alleging that in 1975, he had sexually assaulted her when she was 16 years old.
1984: Beth Ferrier's Allegations
In 1984, Beth Ferrier, one of the anonymous "Jane Doe" witnesses in the Constand case, alleged that Cosby had drugged her coffee and she awoke with her clothes partially removed.
1986: Beverly Johnson alleges she was drugged by Cosby during an audition
In November 2014, model Beverly Johnson alleged in a Vanity Fair article that she was drugged by Bill Cosby during a 1986 audition and knew other women with similar experiences.
1986: Barbara Bowman's alleged assaults by Cosby
In early 1986, Barbara Bowman, an aspiring model and actress, reported two incidents where she alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Bill Cosby, after being introduced to him by her agent. Bowman stated that she escaped his attacks, returned home to Denver, and Cosby thereafter subverted her career.
1990: Cosby Demands Wendy Williams' Firing
In 1990, Wendy Williams recalled that she referred to sexual assault allegations against Cosby on her radio show. Cosby called her boss in the middle of the broadcast demanding that Williams be fired.
1996: Sexual Assault Allegations by Victoria Valentino
In 1996, Playboy Playmate Victoria Valentino gave a videotaped interview in which she made sexual assault allegations against Cosby.
1997: Autumn Jackson Convicted of Extortion
In 1997, Autumn Jackson, who claims to be Cosby's illegitimate daughter, was convicted of extortion after she threatened to make the claims public in the Globe tabloid.
January 28, 2000: Alleged Incident with Lachele Covington
On January 28, 2000, Lachele Covington alleged that Cosby had tried to put her hands down his pants and then exposed himself at his Manhattan townhouse.
February 1, 2000: Lachele Covington Files Criminal Complaint
On February 1, 2000, Lachele Covington filed a criminal complaint against Cosby, alleging that on January 28, 2000, he had tried to put her hands down his pants and then exposed himself at his Manhattan townhouse.
January 2004: Andrea Constand Accuses Cosby
In January 2004, Andrea Constand accused Cosby of drugging and fondling her.
May 2004: Public Remarks Critical of African Americans
In May 2004, Bill Cosby made public remarks critical of African Americans who prioritize sports, fashion, and "acting hard" over education, self-respect, and self-improvement. He urged African American families to educate their children on American culture and teach them better morals at a younger age.
2004: Accusations of alleged assaults by Cosby committed against them
Between 1965 and 2004, actress Louisa Moritz, actor Lou Ferrigno's wife Carla, Florida nurse Therese Serignese, Playboy Playmates Valentino and Sarita Butterfield, actress Michelle Hurd, and eleven other women made accusations of alleged assaults by Cosby committed against them
February 2005: District Attorney declines to file charges against Cosby in 2005
In February 2005, District Attorney Bruce Castor declined to file criminal charges against Bill Cosby regarding Andrea Constand's allegations, citing insufficient evidence, a decision that later influenced Cosby's testimony in a civil lawsuit.
February 2005: No Charges in Constand Case
In February 2005, the District Attorney of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, announced that there would be no charges against Cosby in the Andrea Constand case due to insufficient evidence.
March 2005: Constand Files Civil Claim
In March 2005, Andrea Constand filed a civil claim against Cosby, with thirteen women as potential witnesses.
July 2005: Beth Ferrier's Allegations
In July 2005, Beth Ferrier alleged that in 1984 Cosby had drugged her coffee and she awoke with her clothes partially removed.
2005: Publication of "Is Bill Cosby Right?"
In 2005, Michael Eric Dyson wrote the book "Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind?" arguing that Cosby overlooked larger social factors reinforcing poverty and crime. Cornel West defended Cosby, saying he spoke out of compassion to encourage positive change.
2005: Andrea Constand's civil suit against Cosby
In July 2015, court records from Andrea Constand's 2005 civil suit against Bill Cosby were unsealed and released to the public. Cosby's deposition revealed his admission to casual sex with young women involving methaqualone use, which he acknowledged was illegal.
June 9, 2006: Philadelphia magazine publishes "Dr. Huxtable & Mr. Hyde" article
On June 9, 2006, Philadelphia magazine published Robert Huber's article, "Dr. Huxtable & Mr. Hyde," detailing Andrea Constand's allegations and similar stories from other women who claimed Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted them. The article suggested the allegations could potentially destroy Cosby.
November 1, 2006: Philadelphia magazine publishes details of Barbara Bowman's allegations
On November 1, 2006, Philadelphia magazine published details of Barbara Bowman's allegations of drug and sexual assault against Cosby, which she stated had occurred around early 1986 when she was eighteen years old.
November 2006: Settlement in Constand Case
In November 2006, Cosby settled out of court with Andrea Constand for an undisclosed amount.
2006: Cosby's attorney responds to allegations
In 2006, Cosby's attorney dismissed allegations as "unsubstantiated" and an example of "media vilification." A joint statement from Cosby and Constand clarified that a previous statement did not refer to Constand's case, which was resolved years ago.
2008: Remarks on Crime and Moral Behavior
In 2008, Bill Cosby mentioned cities with high crime rates affecting young African American men and reiterated that African American parents were failing to instill proper moral behavior. He later expressed strong approval of Barack Obama after his election.
2013: Criticism of Republican Politicians
In 2013, Bill Cosby criticized Republican politicians' views on socioeconomic and racial issues, leading to the unsealing of documents in a previous civil suit alleging sexual assault and renewed interest in older allegations due to the contrast between his public image and the accusations.
October 16, 2014: Hannibal Buress criticizes Cosby's legacy in comedy routine
On October 16, 2014, during a comedy routine in Philadelphia, Hannibal Buress criticized Bill Cosby's legacy and public moralizing, referencing allegations of sexual assault against Cosby.
November 2014: Cosby Responds to Allegations
In November 2014, Bill Cosby responded to a question about the allegations of sexual assault against him by saying, "I don't talk about it."
November 2014: Several women accuse Cosby of sexual assault
In November 2014, following Hannibal Buress's remarks, model Janice Dickinson, actress Louisa Moritz, actor Lou Ferrigno's wife Carla, Florida nurse Therese Serignese, Playboy Playmates Valentino and Sarita Butterfield, actress Michelle Hurd, and eleven other women made accusations of alleged assaults by Cosby.
2014: End of Advertising Roles Due to Allegations
In 2014, Cosby stopped appearing in advertising roles due to the widespread publicization of his sexual assault allegations.
2014: Judy Huth files civil suit against Cosby
In 2014, Judy Huth filed a civil suit against Bill Cosby in California, alleging that he had sexually assaulted her in 1975, when she was 16 years old.
2014: Allegations Resurface
In 2014, after the allegations resurfaced Wendy Williams recalled that during her radio show in 1990, she referred to sexual assault allegations against Cosby that had been published in the National Enquirer tabloid.
2014: "Conversations" Exhibit at the National Museum of African Art
In 2014, the Cosbys' collection of African-American art was displayed in "Conversations", an exhibit at the National Museum of African Art, which became controversial due to sexual assault allegations against Cosby.
January 2015: Cindra Ladd alleges sexual assault by Cosby
In January 2015, Cindra Ladd alleged that Bill Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in 1969.
May 2015: Cosby says he's never seen anything like the allegations
In May 2015, Bill Cosby stated that he had been in the entertainment business for 52 years and had "never seen anything like this" in response to questions about the allegations.
May 2015: Lili Bernard claims sexual assault by Cosby
In May 2015, Lili Bernard claimed that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her in the early 1990s and that she had been interviewed by police in Atlantic City, New Jersey, regarding the allegation.
July 2015: Petition launched to revoke Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom
In July 2015, PAVE launched a WhiteHouse.gov petition to President Barack Obama to revoke the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to Bill Cosby in July 2002.
July 2015: Court records from Constand's civil suit unsealed
In July 2015, court records from Andrea Constand's 2005 civil suit against Bill Cosby were unsealed and released to the public. Cosby's deposition revealed his admission to casual sex with young women involving methaqualone use, which he acknowledged was illegal.
July 27, 2015: New York magazine features 35 Cosby accusers
On July 27, 2015, New York magazine's cover featured images of 35 women who alleged they were assaulted by Bill Cosby, alongside an empty chair symbolizing potential victims who hadn't come forward. The stories highlighted similar patterns of Cosby allegedly offering drugged beverages and sexually assaulting impaired or unconscious women.
September 17, 2015: A&E broadcasts "Cosby: The Women Speak"
On September 17, 2015, A&E broadcast the documentary "Cosby: The Women Speak," featuring interviews with thirteen alleged victims of Bill Cosby. By October 24, nearly sixty women had accused Cosby of sexual abuse, with some describing him as a "sociopath" and "serial rapist."
2015: Ebony magazine releases issue on Cosby allegations
In 2015, Ebony magazine released an issue with the allegations against Bill Cosby as the cover story, discussing the importance of "The Cosby Show" and if it is possible to separate Bill Cosby from Cliff Huxtable. The cover depicted a photograph of the Huxtables with a cracked frame, symbolizing the show's damaged and complicated legacy.
2015: Renewed Allegations by Shawn Upshaw Brown
In 2015, Shawn Upshaw Brown, who admitted to having an affair with Cosby in the 1970s, went into more detail with her renewed allegations in an interview.
April 26, 2018: Cosby found guilty of aggravated indecent assault
On April 26, 2018, Bill Cosby was found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand following a jury trial. An initial trial had ended in a mistrial.
May 3, 2018: Expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
On May 3, 2018, Bill Cosby was expelled from the Actors Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to breaches of the academy's standards of conduct.
September 25, 2018: Cosby sentenced to prison
On September 25, 2018, Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to ten years in state prison, along with a $25,000 fine and court costs from both trials. He was moved to SCI Phoenix in Skippack Township, Pennsylvania, on the same day.
2018: "Baby, It's Cold Outside" pulled from radio stations amid controversy
In late 2018, the Christmas song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" was pulled from several radio stations amid controversy that its lyrics allegedly promote sexual predation. Susan Loesser blamed Bill Cosby for backlash against its lyric "say, what's in this drink?"
January 28, 2019: Cosby moved into general prison population
On January 28, 2019, Bill Cosby was moved from administrative segregation into the general population at SCI Phoenix.
December 10, 2019: Cosby's verdict upheld by Pennsylvania Superior Court
On December 10, 2019, the Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld the verdict in Bill Cosby's case on the initial level of appeal.
June 23, 2020: Pennsylvania Supreme Court agrees to hear appeal of Cosby's conviction
On June 23, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed to hear a further level of appeal of Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction, focusing on issues related to witness testimony and potential violations of Cosby's rights.
June 30, 2021: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Overturns Cosby's Conviction
On June 30, 2021, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Bill Cosby's conviction, citing violations of his due process rights related to a prior agreement with a district attorney and the use of his civil lawsuit testimony in the criminal trial.
November 2021: District Attorney files papers seeking to overturn decision of state supreme court
In November 2021, the District Attorney filed papers with the Supreme Court of the United States seeking to have the Court consider whether to overturn the decision of the state supreme court regarding Bill Cosby's overturned conviction.
January 2022: Cosby's attorney urges Supreme Court to decline review
In late January 2022, Bill Cosby's attorney filed a response, urging the Supreme Court to decline review of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's decision that overturned Cosby's conviction.
March 7, 2022: Supreme Court declines to review Pennsylvania court decision
On March 7, 2022, the Supreme Court declined to review the decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that overturned Bill Cosby's conviction.
2022: Release of "We Need to Talk About Cosby" Documentary
In 2022, W. Kamau Bell released the Showtime documentary "We Need to Talk About Cosby", which explores Cosby's life and career, addressing the sexual assault allegations through conversations with comedians, journalists, and survivors. Cosby's representative denied all allegations, stating Cosby stands with the excluded and disenfranchised.
2022: "Law & Order" episode touches on Cosby cases
In 2022, the premiere of the 21st season of "Law & Order" featured a plot resembling the Cosby cases, involving the murder of an entertainer released from prison after his conviction was overturned, who had been accused of rape and maintained his innocence.
2022: Jury rules in favor of Judy Huth
In 2022, the trial began in Judy Huth's civil suit against Bill Cosby, alleging sexual assault in 1975. The jury ruled in Huth's favor, and Cosby was ordered to pay $500,000 in compensatory damages.
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