Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill declared a mistrial Saturday in the sexual assault case against entertainer Bill Cosby, who stood accused of drugging and molesting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand more than a decade ago at his home outside Philadelphia.
A jury of seven men and five women, deadlocked after more than 50 hours of deliberation, returned to the courtroom Saturday with no verdict, temporarily closing a scandalous and emotional case that carried far-reaching social implications for a generation that once viewed Cosby as a pioneer and exemplar.
- RELATED ARTICLES
- Video: Bill Cosby imitates 'Fat Albert' on way out of courtroom
- New podcast explores Bill Cosby's road to stardom, downfall
- Restaurant apologize for 'Pill Cosby' cocktail, pulls drink from menu
Not long after the verdict came in, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced his office's intention to retry Cosby in the future. Jurors had become bogged down by questions surrounding the definition of "reasonable doubt" and Cosby's deposition testimony from Constand's civil case, which was settled confidentially in 2006.
"Mr. Cosby's power is back. It has been restored," said Andrew Wyatt, the comedian's spokesman.
For many who watched Cosby's career unravel as more than 50 women leveled accusations of rape against him, the declaration of a mistrial came as a stunning turn in the long-awaited trial. Cosby continues to fight civil lawsuits filed by 10 other women from around the United States.
Here's a look at the reaction on Twitter to Saturday's outcome.