Cosby’s conviction ‘victory of the weak’

American stand-up comedian Bill Cosby is now a convicted sex offender. Host of ‘The Cosby Show’, he went on to be referred to as ‘America’s dad’ because of his paternal tone with participants.

The 81-year old will serve a prison sentence for drugging and molesting Andrea Constand, a university employee.

Several others, such as actor Lili Bernard and model Janice Dickinson, were in the courtroom, also accusing Cosby of sexual assault. The retrial occurred amid the #MeToo social media movement, which led to calling Cosby’s conviction being called America’s first celebrity ‘#MeToo conviction’.

Andrea’s impact statement says, “I was at the top of my game, certain that the groundwork provided by my education and athletic training would stand me in good stead whatever challenges lay ahead. How wrong I was. In fact, nothing could have prepared me for an evening of January 2004, when life as I knew it came to an abrupt halt.”

That was the evening she was assaulted by Cosby. She recalls: “The shame was overwhelming. Self-doubt and confusion kept me from turning to my family or friends as I normally did.”

She says she felt completely alone, unable to trust anyone, even herself. “Bill Cosby took my spirit and crushed it,” she says.

Harvey Weinstein case

American film producer Harvey Weinstein of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse over a period of at least 30 years. More than 80 women in the film industry have since named Weinstein as an offender. Weinstein denied “any non-consensual sex”.

The scandal led to similar allegations against powerful men around the world which led to the ousting of many from their positions.

It also triggered the #MeToo movement.

What’s #MeToo?

Activist Tarana Burke coined the phrase ‘me too’ in 2006 as a way to help women who had survived sexual violence. It came back in 2017 as the #MeToo movement followed by a tweet by actress Alyssa Milano.

The movement saw many men and women speaking out about their experiences.

System has woken up

Resul Pookutty says, "This is the victory of the weak. It is a message: However big you are, sexual assault will eventually finds the cutters. I am happy the system has woken up. This is also an empowerment of the weak and all those who have been exploited. Women who suffer in silence and encourages them to speak out."

Sudha Belawadi, actor says, "It’s a breakthrough and we should have such judgements pronounced more often whenever such a crime happens. Celebrities are what they are because of their fans. They must behave more responsibly. There should be a decorum in their personal and professional lives. I also feel victims should come out in the open when there are big names involved in a case. People in the know should come out and speak. There’s no point keeping quiet about it."

Parul Yadav, actor says, "The only reason sexual assault is on the rise is because the gulity are getting away. Severe punishment will bring the incidence down. Celebrity or otherwise, anyone guilty of sexual offence must be dealt with by the law. I am happy with the development."