It was about a year ago that Bill Cosby was set to reignite his television career and enjoy a string of nostalgic looks back on his career. However, a maelstrom of sexual assault allegations hit The Cosby Show star which ultimately led NBC to cancel their deal with the comedian. And while that may have been the first domino of repercussions to tip — followed by Disney World removing his statue, being dropped by his representation, and Spelman College cutting ties — it looks like we haven’t heard the last from his accusers just yet.
Just a few days ago, supermodel Beverly Johnson publicly forgave Cosby for his illicit behavior while promoting her new book, and now it looks like a few other women will publicly speak their piece as a new TV special is in the works on A&E. According the network’s press release, A&E will air an expose called Cosby: The Women Speak this Thursday. The hour-long special will contain interviews with several of his alleged victims as they give their own “first-hand accounts” of their experience with the man to “help examine the allegations, decade by decade to reveal new information and insight into the case.”
The number of women set to appear in the special will be far less than the amount who appeared on the cover of New York Magazine, but we do have confirmation that Beverly Johnson, actress Louisa Moritz (Rose from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), and publicist Joan Tarshis will be included in the 12 total women set to take part in the scheduled interviews. On top of this, the network will also “examine what happened when Hannibal Buress’ stand-up went viral,” and the consistent damage control Cosby’s publicity team have been under since the controversy hit.
For those who miss seeing Bill Cosby’s face on television — TV Land pulled all reruns of The Cosby Show — this might be for you. From the looks of things, A&E is hoping to bring in some decent ratings with the special. Some may view this as the network’s own attempt at a money hustle. Either way, we’ll find out if any new incriminating info comes to light as Cosby: The Women Speak will premiere on A&E this Thursday, September 17, at 10 p.m.
(Via A&E Networks Press Release)