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The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, June 30 overturned the conviction for sexual assault of comedian Bill Cosby, a decision that represents a snub to the #MeToo movement.
All smiles Bill Cosby appeared in front of the cameras when released but without speaking a word, reports our correspondent in Washington, Anne Corpet. He is very happy to have found his family, simply commented one of his lawyers.
« Bill Cosby’s convictions and sentences overturned and he must be released », Wrote the high court of the State at the end of a long judgment of 79 pages.
The 83-year-old creator of “The Cosby Show” has been held since his conviction in September 2018 for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a woman he invited to his home in 2004.
In its decision, the Supreme Court recalls that the first prosecutor in charge of the case had decided not to prosecute him in criminal proceedings, while encouraging him to testify in civil proceedings brought by the complainant.
The first condemnation of the #MeToo era
However, this testimony was then used against him during his trial, when a new prosecutor decided to relaunch the case years later, the magistrates note. ” When a prosecutor makes a public decision with the intention of influencing the actions of the accused and the latter does so to his detriment (and sometimes on the advice of his lawyer), denying him the benefit of that decision is a affront to the fundamental principle of fairness », They judge.
The condemnation of Bill Cosby was considered the first of the #MeToo era and a victory in the fight against sexual violence against women.
For women who have been victims of the actor, this decision goes wrong. Victoria Valentino, actress, reacted on CNN: ” It’s a punch in the stomach. Are our lives worth nothing? All the lives he damaged ?! I am furious ! Everyone is amazed! How is it possible ? »
Considered the embodiment of the ideal father in his television show, the actor, one of the first African Americans to break into the small screen, has been accused by some sixty women of sexual assault and sometimes rape, covered by prescription. The actor should no longer be worried. The Supreme Court forbids the justice to resume his trial.
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