Former television superstar and comedian Bill Cosby returned to Twitter on New Year’s Eve to thank his “fans and friends”, only to be savaged by critics over accusations that he sexually assaulted over 50 women.
Cosby, 78, was charged Wednesday (12.30.2015) with sexually assaulting a woman after giving her drugs and alcohol in 2004. The actor/comedian posted a $1 million bond, and was forced to turn over his passport after being ordered to avoid any contact with his accuser.
Late Thursday night, Cosby tweeted out: “Friends and fans, Thank You” — and the response from fellow Twitter users was fast and furious.
“Make a New Year’s resolution, Bill: stop denying your horrendous crimes against women,” one commenter wrote, while others urged him to delete his account — a common comment on Twitter used both jokingly and for Twitter users with unpopular opinions.
A sampling of responses to Cosby below:
@BillCosby I get the friends and fans things, Bill, but what do you say to the victims?
— Steve Elzer (@Steveelzer) January 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/AugustMarch2/status/682718663275888640
@BillCosby Im a former fan of yours..U r the real life version of Quagmire from #FamilyGuy,sick perv.I feel sorry 4 ur wife,not u.#BillCosby
— Rob's 🇺🇸 Polls (@Robs010101) January 1, 2016
@BillCosby Wow. What about all of us ex-fans with an ounce of common sense and respect for women?
— Steve (@stevespooner73) January 1, 2016
@BillCosby Forgot u were on here & i was following you. Your past has finally caught up to you. There isn't a known level of shame for u yet
— Tim Static™ (@Tim_Static) January 1, 2016
@BillCosby enjoy getting roofied in prison.
— Joe (@JoeAlv) January 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/MaryKastelic/status/682752840608038913
@BillCosby No, thank you…for sabotaging your own legacy and tarnishing people's childhoods. Tryin not to pass judgment, but, c'mon dude…
— Kenny Baker (@Kennybaker85) January 1, 2016
@BillCosby what would you do if you found out there was a slight chance someone drugged and raped your wife or daughter? Would you be cool..
— stephen slade (@StephenSlade) January 1, 2016
@BillCosby don't worry Mr Cosby,you are innocent until proven guilty .. then you go to jail ..
— SirJude91 (@SirJude91) January 1, 2016
Cosby was not without supporters, with many extending wishes and prayers, while others admonished critics that the comedian is “innocent until proven guilty” despite the many accusations made against him.