Bill Cosby Found Guilty: What Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Had to Say About the Verdict
Bill Cosby, the comedian who was once considered to be “America’s dad,” has been found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault.
This verdict was fairly shocking, and it was no certainty that the trial would go this way. But now that it has, many are celebrating this, with Cosby being the first major accused celebrity to be found guilty in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Here’s a look at how some of Hollywood’s biggest stars — especially those who have championed the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements — have to say about the Cosby verdict.
1. Jessica Chastain
After the verdict, Jessica Chastain, a proponent of the #MeToo movement, made clear that no one is above the law. In a tweet, Chastain said that just because someone is rich and powerful doesn’t mean that another person’s body is automatically available for sex.
In another tweet, Chastain outlined instances in which consent is not given, including when a person is incapable of consenting. In addition, Chastain also retweeted a post by Shaun King that read, “People in power need to understand that this is what’s possible. In your golden years, the crimes you commit against people can revisit you – landing you in prison. Harvey Weinstein should be next.”
Next: One of Weinstein’s accusers weighs in
2. Rose McGowan
One person whose reaction many people were interested in was Rose McGowan; she’s one of the women who has accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault.
In a tweet, McGowan expressed her gratitude that society is waking up to the issue of sexual abuse, especially by men in Hollywood. She also thanked the judge and the jury, saying that Cosby’s “victims can now exhale.”
In another tweet, McGowan wrote, “Profoundly happy that Cosby’s victims, his survivors, are shedding tears of relief today.”
Next: Another Harvey Weinstein accuser weighs in on the Cosby verdict
3. Mira Sorvino
Mira Sorvino is another one of the women who has accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. In a tweet, she said that she was actually at a luncheon held by the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault when the verdict for Cosby came in, and she had the pleasure of announcing the news to everyone there.
Sorvino also said that the verdict is a victory for the #MeToo movement; she then encouraged everyone to check out the work the MOCSA does.
Next: This actress said she hopes that the verdict brings a message of hope.
4. Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon responded to the verdict by saying that she hopes Cosby’s victims find peace. She also said that she hopes all of the women who have not been able to find justice yet now have hope.
In addition, Sarandon said there should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment. She tweeted this alongside a New York Times opinion piece, which argued, “Rather than the downfall of an entertainer, maybe we could think of this as a victory for one victim of a serial assaulter?”
Next: This actress took time to thank the victims for what they did.
5. Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano made her response more about the victims of Cosby’s alleged crimes than about Cosby himself. In a tweet, she thanked the survivors, saying that she knows that reliving these nightmares can be debilitating but that they’ve made the world a better place for doing so.
She also said that as a mother, she appreciates their work in holding this monster accountable.
Next: This television host who is a victim of sexual abuse herself weighed in on the verdict as well.
6. Padma Lakshmi
Top Chef‘s Padma Lakshmi has previously spoken about her own experiences with being a victim of sexual abuse, and so she was elated to hear the Cosby verdict.
In a tweet, Lakshmi said that this news was a fitting end to sexual assault awareness month. She also said that she’s thinking of all of Cosby’s victims because as a survivor herself, she knows the pain never goes away; however, she hopes that they now feel some semblance of peace.
Next: This comedian had a different sort of reaction to the verdict.
7. Kathy Griffin
Comedian Kathy Griffin had a bit of a different reaction to the verdict. Although she was as happy about the news as anyone else, she turned her attention to the fact that Cosby got away with his alleged crimes for so long.
Griffin said in a tweet that she can’t stop thinking about everyone in Hollywood who knew about Cosby’s crimes and didn’t do anything, including networks, producers, and studios. “Time’s not up yet,” she added.
In another tweet, she simply said, “BYE BILL,” and in another, she wrote, “GUILLLLTTTYYYYYYYY.”
Next: This actor who has spoken about being the victim of sexual assault reacts.
8. Terry Crews
The actor is one of the handful of male celebrities who shared a story of sexual abuse during the #MeToo movement; Terry Crews said in October 2017 that a Hollywood executive, Adam Venit, groped him at a party the previous year. Crews later filed a lawsuit against Venit.
Crews expressed in a tweet his gratitude that Cosby was being held accountable, noting that this is the only way that things will change.
Next: This actress finds it sad that everyone was so surprised by the verdict.
9. Patricia Arquette
A lot of people were stunned to hear the Cosby verdict, despite the fact that more than 60 women have accused him of sexual assault. Patricia Arquette pointed out that with this in mind, it’s sad that the verdict was a surprise.
In addition, Arquette retweeted a tweet which read, “Good – Gulity! Women, keep speaking out. Bill Cosby finally gets justice after drugging and raping women for years. A victory for all of us. Thank you to the jurors, prosecution team, investigators and judge.”
Next: This actress said that she hopes this other Hollywood celebrity is next to be convicted.
10. Amber Tamblyn
One common reaction to the Cosby verdict was that this is just the beginning of powerful men being held accountable for their actions.
This is a sentiment Amber Tamblyn expressed in her tweet, writing, “You’re next, Harvey. We’re coming for you. All of you.”
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