Bill Cosby’s Television Wife Apologizes For Supporting His Release From Prison

Bill Cosby’s television wife, Phylicia Rashad, is apologizing for initially supporting the comedian’s release from prison, and she says her comments were in “no way directed towards survivors of sexual assault.”

The ‘Cosby Show’ star took to Twitter on Saturday to address the situation after getting a ton of heat for supporting the release of Bill Cosby after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction for sexual assault. As we reported, Rashad was one of the first celebrity’s to celebrate the move by the highest court in the state, tweeting, “FINALLY!!! A terrible wrong is being righted – a miscarriage of justice is corrected!” Several celebrities blasted the decision on social media, saying it was a slap in the face to sexual assault survivors everywhere.

Now, Phylicia has issued an apology, which includes a message to her students at Howard University where she is the Dean of the College of Fine Arts.

“This week, I tweeted a statement that caused so much hurt in so many people — both broadly and inside the Howard Community. I offer my most sincere apology. I have since removed that upsetting tweet. I am sorry. I intend to earn your trust and your forgiveness,” she began.

She continued, “My remarks were in no way directed towards survivors of sexual assault. I vehemently oppose sexual violence, find no excuse for such behavior, and I know that Howard University has a zero-tolerance policy toward interpersonal violence.”The actress says she will now take part in training programs at the university in hopes of helping sexual assault victims in the future and engage in “active listening.”

“The most important role I have ever played in my life is that of mother to my children, who have taught me to live a life that nourishes, protects, and encourages others. Though they are adults now, I still feel the primal instinct to protect them. This is the same feeling that I hold for Howard University and each of her students. As a dean in this revered and beloved institution, I am committed to this. Over the next few weeks, I plan to engage in active listening and participate in training to not only reinforce University protocol and conduct but also to learn how I can become a stronger ally to sexual assault survivors and everyone who has suffered at the hands of an abuser,” she added.

The actress concluded her statements, saying, “Thank you for voicing your concerns, for speaking your truth, and for holding leaders accountable for our actions and words. Excellence in Truth and Service.”

As we reported, Bill Cosby was released from prison just a day ago after the PA Supreme Court overturned his conviction, claiming they had issues with the judge allowing for several alleged victims of testifying to show a pattern of behavior. Bill addressed the media outside of his home, claiming he has always maintained his innocence, and any sexual interaction was consensual.