The release of Bill Cosby’s latest mug shot garnered so much attention earlier this week that his team released a new photo of the now-infamous comedian to “reassure” his fans and family of his well-being.
The mug shot, first circulated by entertainment site TMZ, showed Cosby, 83, with unkempt facial hair and a mask around his neck. He also appeared to be smiling in the mug shot taken Sept. 4 at the SCI Phoenix State Prison in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. The comedy legend is serving three to 10 years after being convicted of sexually assaulting and drugging Andrea Constand at his home in 2004. Seeing Cosby, who looked as if he had aged in a short time, attracted some sympathy from social media users. Others responded with scorn toward those who expressed sympathy.
Since Constand first went to authorities about her assault in 2005, more than 60 other women have come forward and accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. Cosby has attempted to appeal the conviction since being sentenced in 2018. Prior to the accusations and conviction, Cosby was known as a beloved television star of “The Cosby Show” and a philanthropist, donating, along with his wife Camille, more than $20 million to institutions including Spelman College during the last 30 years.
His checkered public image has been discussed as the smiling mug shot has circulated online Tuesday. Some said the image saddened them and reminded them of Cosby’s impact on Black families.
In response to those reactions, the comedy legend’s team sent out a new photo late Tuesday to “reassure his family and supporters that he is doing ok during this pandemic.” In the new photo, the Philadelphia native looks to be smiling a bit wider and his hair appears to be more maintained. The new photo was reportedly taken while Cosby was on a virtual video conference.
While some responded to the photo with relief, others stated the tarnished legacy of the star and his charges deemed both photos unnecessary. They also said there was no place for the sympathy expressed by some.
Some said that those who were finding it hard to cope with their childhood hero in prison should consider the character versus the real person.
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