Joan Tarshis Describes Alleged Sexual Assaults by Bill Cosby

Joan Tarshis is the latest woman to come forward with allegations of rape against actor and comedian Bill Cosby. In an essay published Sunday on the online magazine Hollywood Elsewhere, the former act...
Joan Tarshis Describes Alleged Sexual Assaults by Bill Cosby
Written by Pam Wright
  • Joan Tarshis is the latest woman to come forward with allegations of rape against actor and comedian Bill Cosby.

    In an essay published Sunday on the online magazine Hollywood Elsewhere, the former actress and music industry professional describes her first meeting with Cosby.

    Tarshis said Cosby “took a liking” to the 19-year-old during a visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles in 1969, where the comedian was shooting The Bill Cosby Show. Tarshis alleges that during her visits with Cosby, the comedian would attempt to get her drunk. She recalled one of the alleged episodes after drinking several Bloody Marys, which were topped with beer by Cosby.

    “The next thing I remember was coming to on his couch while being undressed,” wrote Tarshis.

    “I was sickened by what was happening to me and shocked that this man I had idolized was now raping me. Of course I told no one.”

    Tarshis alleges it was after attending one of his gigs that she woke up in Cosby’s hotel suite, naked in his bed.

    “It took me about 20 years to admit this to anyone,” wrote Tarshis. “And though I knew I should say something, I still felt ashamed. Ashamed that I didn’t earlier.”

    Tarshis said in the essay “the time is right to join them,” referring to other women who have also accused the beloved actor, including former teen actress and model, Barbara Bowman, who wrote an editorial in the Washington Post last week claiming Cosby drugged and raped her in the 1980s.

    Accusations have plagued Cosby for years. In 2006, he settled a civil lawsuit with a Canadian woman who claimed she was drugged and sexually assaulted at his home.

    Cosby‘s attorney, John P. Schmitt, addressed the “decade-old, discredited allegations” Sunday by posting a message on the comedian’s official website.

    “The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true,” wrote Schmitt. “Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment.”

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