Jill Scott has publicly defended Bill Cosby via Twitter amid a tidal wave of rape and sexual assault allegations, and many aren’t happy with her decision.
The singer says she won’t believe anything about the comedian until proof is presented that he was involved, and has gotten into several lengthy discussions with followers on the social media site, some of which are pretty harsh. Scott calls Cosby “someone who has done so much for our greater good” and calls on the media–and society–for trying to destroy Cosby’s legacy.
20 women have come forward with similar stories about Cosby, including actresses and models who have worked with him over the years. Supermodel Janice Dickinson recently opened up with her own story, saying that Cosby flew her to Lake Tahoe in 1982 with the promise of a job on The Cosby Show. When he gave her a glass of wine and a pill for her cramps, she said, she thought nothing of it, but later blacked out and woke up with her clothing in disarray and obvious signs that she had been assaulted.
“There was semen all over me and my pajama bottoms were off and the top was opened. At that point – fight-or-flight – I just packed up and I got the hell out of there,” Dickinson told CNN.
@SimplyBerry u know Bill Cosby? I do child and this is insane. Proof. Period.
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) November 30, 2014
@SimplyBerry darling I've learned not to believe too much without proof. Especially about someone whose done so much for our greater good.
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
@JasBaileyTweets @SimplyBerry @curlyheadRED I'm not dismissing. I'm just not quick to scorn a man who's inspired sincere good.
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
@JasBaileyTweets so if 20 people say something about you, it's true?
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
@JasBaileyTweets hurt? By an opinion? I've been a solider on many levels for women. I know rape but I'm also aware of propaganda.
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
@JasBaileyTweets sides with Mr. Cosby? No. I side with substantiated proof when media/society is attempting to destroy a magnificent Legacy
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
Cosby has not responded publicly to the allegations, but his lawyers have refuted the claims of assault. Following a petition that gained many signatures, Temple University recently cut ties with Cosby.