June 22, 2017
Representatives for Bill Cosby say the comedian plans to hold town halls to teach young people how to avoid being accused of sexual assault. The made the announcement shortly after Cosby's trial for that very crime ended in a mistrial.
Appearing on WRBC in Alabama on Tuesday, Cosby's spokespeople discussed the Montgomery County trial, noting that they are waiting to see if District Attorney Kevin Steele follows through on his promise to retry Cosby.
Cosby, who is 79 and originally from North Philly, was accused of drugging and raping former Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his home in 2004. More than 60 women have made allegations of sexual abuse against the comedian.
"Mr. Cosby wants to get back to work," said spokesperson Andrew Wyatt, who frequently was at the comedian's side as Cosby entered and exited the courthouse during the trial. "We are now planning town halls."
"We'll talk to young people, because this is bigger than Bill Cosby," Wyatt said. "This issue can effect any young person, especially young athletes of today, and they need to know what they're facing, when they're hanging out or partying, when they're doing things they shouldn't be doing. And it also effects married men."
Ebonee Benson, who read a statement from Cosby's wife Camille Cosby at the trial, implied that the town halls would be about teaching young people how to avoid actions that may lead to them being accused of sexual assault.
"The laws are changing," Benson said. "The statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault are being extended. So, this is why people need to be educated on — a brush against a shoulder — anything at this point can be considered sexual assault."
WBRC FOX6 News - Birmingham, AL
Constand's lawyer released a statement following the trial that said although there was no verdict, it gave a voice to sexual assault victims.
