Bill Cosby’s Sexual Assault Conviction Overturned: Phylicia Rashad, Amber Tamblyn & More React

Meaghan Darwish
13 Comments
Bill Cosby at the sentencing of his sexual assault trial
David Maialetti-Pool/Getty Images

Bill Cosby‘s sexual assault conviction has been thrown out by Pennsylvania’s highest court allowing for his immediate release from prison.

The reversal came on Wednesday, June 30, after it was revealed that the prosecutor who brought the case against Cosby was bound by an agreement not to charge him. The 83-year-old comedian has served just over two years of a three to 10-year sentence after he was found guilty of drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.

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Constand was just one of the dozens of women who came forward with allegations against Cosby. Charges against Cosby were first filed in 2015, just days before the statute of limitations ran out for Constand’s case, leading to The Cosby Show star’s arrest in 2015.

The decision to overturn Cosby’s conviction came from a split court with four judges siding in his favor versus three who did not. The overturning also bars Cosby from any further prosecution at this time. Needless to say, Hollywood has some feelings about the situation.

Bill Cosby

(Credit: Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Below, see how stars, former colleagues, and more are responding to the news regarding Cosby’s overturned conviction.

Cosby’s former TV wife Phylicia Rashad isn’t hiding her feelings regarding the ruling, noting that she believes a “miscarriage of justice has been corrected.”

Time’s Up co-founder and actress Amber Tamblyn, on the other hand, is extremely upset over the news, sharing a personal connection to Cosby’s assaults.

Some stars got more colorful with their tweets on the subject.

And more stars had a difficult time comprehending the situation.

And 50 Cent relayed a message of support while also promoting his own projects.

Let us know what you think of the overturned conviction in the comments section below.

Bill CosbyPhylicia Rashad



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  1. R

    RedBowtie

    Still guilty as hell, but it doesn't matter. He was improperly tried (using evidence that shouldn't have been allowed and was anyway). I know, I know, it sucks but if it was YOU being tried with evidence that should have been excluded (guilty or not) you'd be damn glad for defense lawyers and appeals. That's the way it works...🤨

    11

  2. G

    GreenWrench

    There is a place in hell for the four judges, right next to Bill.

    9

  3. O

    OrangeBottle

    Too many not held accountable for their crimes.

    7

    1. A

      Antonio Montealegre

      You mean like a certain former president....?

      1

  4. G

    GoldCocktail

    I guess if OJ can get away with double murder, Cosby can get away with multiple rapes. Be rich and do what you want.

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    1. A

      Antonio Montealegre

      Reminds me of that infamous "Access Hollywood" tape that caused the host of that show to be fired but didn't deter the one who was talking from being elected!

  5. O

    OrangeBottle

    Hard to believe that this promise was not brought up years ago. Another criminal goes free.

    4 1

  6. R

    RedPlane

    Money buys you freedom, poverty gets you 25-30 years. It's a world we are living in that only favors the wealthy.

    Name a millionaire that was executed!

    1

  7. C

    CyanTag

    We still have not heard from Hannibal Burress...

  8. B

    BluePlanet

    Thank you, God

    7

    1. A

      Antonio Montealegre

      You actually think God was responsible for setting Mr. Cosby free?!

      1

  9. O

    OliveBullhorn

    Finally some justice for an innocent man framed by all those lying women. They should all be tried for conspiracy. Hope he sues everyone connected and gets some retribution for this heinous travesty.

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    1. C

      CyanCandy

      Did you actually read anything? His case was overturned not because some evidence was found that he was not guilty. It was due to a legal technicality. Nothing in this actually acquitted him of these crimes.

      5