Bill Cosby's wife, Camille Cosby, issued a statement taking aim at pretty much everyone involved in her husband's sexual assault trial - including the judge, district attorney, prosecuting attorneys and reporters - following the declaration of mistrial.
MORE: Cosby trial ends in mistrial
Jurors first indicated on Thursday they were deadlocked but the judge repeatedly sent them back over the past several days to keep trying. Finally, a mistrial was declared Saturday, after which Camille Cosby let everyone how her feelings:
The statement was released to media outlets including Deadline.
Meanwhile National Sexual Violence Resource Center Chief Public Affairs Officer Kristen Houser also released a statement:
“All Americans accused of a crime are entitled to a trial by a jury of their peers. That right is essential to our criminal justice system, and the standard of evidence that must be met for a criminal conviction is by necessity quite high. In fact, the high standard of evidence required for criminal convictions is one reason why the criminal justice system cannot be the only avenue for sexual assault survivors to seek justice. It remains important for victims to be given the opportunity to tell their stories and for individuals and organizations to better respond to sexual violence and create safer environments.
“The proceedings in the Cosby trial over the past two weeks have also demonstrated the widespread challenges encountered by victims of sexual assault and prosecutors across the country. The American public often expects victims of sexual assault to behave in ways that are frequently different from how they actually behave. In addition, we must continue hold those who commit sexual violence accountable, regardless of their position in the community, their power, their fame, or their wealth. The effective investigation and prosecution of cases at every level is key to changing the way our society responds to survivors of assault.
“What we do and say about the issue of sexual violence matters. By increasing understanding of the issue, we can more effectively respond to survivors, enhance community safety, and ultimately prevent sexual violence.”
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