Bill Cosby Tells Black Media to Stay 'Neutral' on Rape Allegations

Bill Cosby is finally speaking up on the rape allegations that have completely swamped in the public eye over the past few months.

"Let me say this," Cosby said in an interview with the New York Post. "I only expect the black media to uphold the standards of excellence in journalism, and when you do that, you have to go in with a neutral mind."

This plea for neutrality among the black media, such as reporter Stacy Brown, who conducted the interview with Cosby and writes her articles with a mind towards African-American media, comes across as a plea for due process, in some ways. Cosby has never been convicted in a court of law, and the legal system in the United States operates on the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven. Cosby is essentially asking for that same presumption, even as the mountain of evidence builds against him. Of course, by saying "I only expect the black media to uphold the standards of excellence in journalism," he implies this is a race issue, when I'm not sure that's the case. But it's a complicated situation all-around, and Cosby himself seems to recognize this, praising Camille, his wife of fifty years, for sticking by his side despite all the accusations.

"Love and the strength of womanhood," said Cosby, in reference to how Camille has handled the media firestorm. "Let me say it again, love and the strength of womanhood. And you could reverse it, the strength of womanhood and love."

It's uncertain when or if Cosby will address these allegations again, since he abruptly ended the interview by saying, "They don't want me talking to the media." However, the allegations continue to roll in, whether from model Janice Dickinson or from a woman he allegedly assaulted in the Playboy Mansion back in 1975 when she was only 15. In short, he'll have to address these matters at length sooner or later, whether in the media or in a court of law, provided any civil actions are brought against him.

If nothing else, the court of public opinion will likely be troubled by the vagueness of his statements here, and his refusal to outright refute any of the claims. Of course, there could be legal reasons for why he's remained mum on the matter. But this is a situation that worsens for him by the week either way.

What do you think? Should Bill Cosby speak out against these claims? Or is he right to ignore them in the media? And what are your thoughts on his guilt or innocence? Sound off in the comments!

Via: The New York Post

Credit: CNN