NEW YORK — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled to overturn Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction, allowing him to be released from prison after three years.
Several hours have the ruling came down, the comedian once known as “America’s Dad" was out from behind bars.
Celebrities and prominent people involved in his case reacted to the news.
“Mr. Cosby should never have been prosecuted for these offenses. District attorneys can’t change it up simply because of their political motivation.” — Cosby appellate lawyer Jennifer Bonjean, in an interview.
“Today’s majority decision regarding Bill Cosby is not only disappointing but of concern in that it may discourage those who seek justice for sexual assault in the criminal justice system from reporting or participating in the prosecution of the assailant or may force a victim to choose between filing either a criminal or civil action.” — Cosby accuser Andrea Constand and attorneys Dolores M. Troiani and Bebe Kivitz, in a joint statement.
“FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted - a miscarriage of justice is corrected!” — Phylicia Rashad, who starred as Cosby's wife on “The Cosby Show,” on Instagram.
“I am furious to hear this news. I personally know women who this man drugged and raped while unconscious. Shame on the court and this decision.” — actor and activist Amber Tamblyn, on Twitter.
“When you look at what happened, the fact that a jury reached a conclusion after a trial where they heard evidence, there was nothing about the opinion today that detracted from that. I think that’s important for people like Andrea and other women who came forward.” Stewart Ryan, a lead prosecutor in the case now in private practice, said in an interview.
“The Cosby ruling demonstrates how failures in our criminal justice systems make accountability for sexual assault impossible. ... Sexual assault, harassment and extortion happens in workplaces every day. Systems that ensure accountability for powerful abusers, protect workers and prevent agreements that shield abusers are urgently needed in entertainment and other industries.” — Anita Hill, chair of The Hollywood Commission, in a statement.
“I know many young women and men who are so Afraid to press charges against their rapist and Re traumatize themselves I am heartbroken today to hear of the news of Cosby’s release .this is sickening. My heart is with my sister survivors. We have work to do.” — actor Rosanna Arquette on Twitter.
“Certainly the optics of this are terrible. But the message has to be very clear and simple — that this was a mistake by prosecutors, a very unusual one and a technicality that is unlikely to happen again.” #MeToo attorney Lisa Banks, in an interview.
“Today’s devastating decision to overturn the conviction of a man who caused so much harm, pain, and emotional trauma to so many women is a travesty and an injustice. It reminds us again of the struggle that the survivors of his predatory behavior and actions have endured to make their voice’s heard. The semblance of justice these women had in knowing Cosby was convicted has been completely erased with his release today.” — Time’s Up foundation CEO and president Tina Tchen said in a statement.
“WHEN will things get better for women and girls regarding sexual assault, sexism, misogyny and ageism? What will it take? So discouraged.” —Kathy Griffin on Twitter.
“Told you so on #BillCosby. He was convicted by a court so tainted by public opinion and social pressure that it allowed obviously prejudicial evidence and improper witnesses. He may be a bad guy, but in this case he was railroaded by the mob.” — Geraldo Rivera on Twitter.
"To every woman who was sexual assaulted by #BillCosby my heart hurts for you today and I am full fury. It’s horrifying." —-actor Debra Messing on Twitter.
“All the smoke should be pointed squarely at the prosecutor’s office in the #Cosby case for making that colossal error." — former NFL player Damien Woody on Twitter.
Addressing Britney Spears' conservatorship, former congressman Joe Walsh tweeted, "So Bill Cosby gets out of jail, and Britney Spears remains in jail. That’s pretty messed up."