Actor declares feeling “free” following Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling
Bill Cosby raised his fist in triumph as he exited a Pennsylvania prison, expressing a sense of freedom just hours after his release. The 83-year-old entertainer participated in a press conference outside his mansion following the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to overturn his sexual assault conviction.
Cosby had served two years of a three to ten year sentence for drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand at his home in 2004. The court ruled that a prior agreement made with a previous prosecutor barred him from being charged in this case.
He was convicted of sexual assault during a retrial in 2018 and was denied parole earlier this year for refusing to engage in any sexual offender programs while incarcerated. Throughout the ordeal, Cosby has maintained that his encounter with Constand was consensual, asserting that he would rather serve the full ten years than show any remorse.
Although Cosby refrained from speaking at the press conference, his lawyer, Brian Perry, articulated their position, stating, “We’ve said from day one, we just didn’t think he was treated fairly. The system has to be fair, and fortunately, the Supreme Court agreed with us.” Perry noted that both Cosby and his wife were pleased with the outcome.
In stark contrast, current Montgomery County District Attorney Keith Steele, who brought charges against Cosby in 2015, criticized the court’s ruling. He emphasized that Cosby was found guilty by a jury, questioning the relevance of the procedural issue that led to his release. Steele praised Constand for her bravery in coming forward and reiterated his commitment to pursuing justice for victims of sexual assault, affirming that “no one is above the law.”
Constand initially reported the incident to the police in 2005, but then-District Attorney Bruce Castor declined to press charges. Cosby later settled a civil suit brought by Constand for over $3 million in 2006. The reopening of the case was prompted by a federal judge unsealing testimony from that civil suit, which the current District Attorney used to bring charges against Cosby.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has declared that Cosby cannot be retried on the same charges, bringing a controversial chapter in his legal battles to a close.