A Comprehensive List of Everyone Trying To Sever Ties With Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby was, at a certain point in his life, one of the most successful pitchmen in American history. Many years and many rape allegations later, that is no longer the case. From corporate America to Barack Obama, everyone is now, and presumably forever, allergic to Bill Cosby.
Some corporations were swifter than others in distancing themselves from the one-time beloved comedian, who has been accused by dozens upon dozens of women of drugging and raping them. But now, after court documents were released showing that Cosby admitted to purchasing quaaludes with the intention of incapacitating his victims, almost every network, company, and school connected to Cosby has cut that cord. Even his strongest defenders have admitted defeat, and today Barack Obama said of the Cosby accusations: “That’s rape. And this country and any civilized country should have no tolerance for rape.”
Here is the list of everyone who has dropped Bill Cosby so far, and a timeline of key developments in the story.
On November 18, Janice Dickinson tells Entertainment Tonight that she was raped by Cosby.
Netflix
Statement: “At this time we are postponing the launch of the new stand up comedy special ‘Bill Cosby 77’.”
NBC
Statement: None.
TV Land
Statement: None.
On November 20, the Associated Press released a video showing Cosby asking a reporter to keep questions about his rape allegations off the record.
High Point University
Statement: “In the best interest of all parties, we are removing his name from our Board of Advisors until all information on this matter is available.”
On November 21, The Guardian reported that Cosby’s lawyers were able to squash a 2005 National Enquirer story about rape allegations against the comedian. Three other women also came forward as victims.
Berklee College of Music
Statement: “Berklee no longer awards an online scholarship in Mr. Cosby’s name. The college has no further comment at this time.”
On November 24, a Cosby victim calls the comedian “America’s greatest serial rapist.” On November 26, a previously anonymous victim revealed her identity.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Statement: “He no longer has any affiliation with the campaign nor does he serve in any other capacity for the university.”
Freed-Hardeman University
Statement: “Names we have seen in the media represent real people who will be affected long after FHU’s dinner has passed.”
On December 11, supermodel Beverly Johnson says that Cosby once drugged her at an audition.
Spelman College
Statement: “The William and Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Endowed Professorship was established to bring positive attention and accomplished visiting scholars to Spelman College in order to enhance our intellectual, cultural and creative life. The current context prevents us from continuing to meet these objectives fully. Consequently, we will suspend the program until such time that the original goals can again be met.”
On May 1, two women—a writer, and an actress who appeared on The Cosby Show—say they were raped by the comedian.
Creative Artists Agency
Statement: “We do not represent him at this time.”
On July 6, documents from the 2005 civil suit against Cosby released by a court show the comedian admitting to buying quaaludes.
Bounce TV
Statement: “[We] have only been airing Cosby for a few weeks.”
Centric
Statement: None.
Disney
Statement: None.
Jill Scott
Statement: “I was wrong. It hurts.”
Whoopi Goldberg
Statement: “If this is to be tried in the court of public opinion, I got to say all of the information that’s out there kind of points to guilt.”
Sticking By Him
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Statement: “Once a star has been added to the Walk, it is considered a part of the historic fabric of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”