Many have wondered what Bill Cosby’s former television children had to say about the ongoing allegations that keep coming out about the comedy legend and the way it has affected the show that made them famous. Many have remained quiet, usually with family members doing the talking, as in the case of Lisa Bonet. Others have finally decided to get vocal and talk about what’s going on, especially ahead of the upcoming Dateline special with the alleged victims.
Malcom-Jamal Warner is one of the more high profile members of the cast to come out, claiming that Cosby’s troubles have hurt the show and has raised his concerns against people of color on television. Warner opened up in an interview on Thursday according to the Associated Press:
“My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and film, no matter what … negative stereotypes of people of color, we’ve always had ‘The Cosby Show’ to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that’s the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale,” said Warner, who starred as Cosby’s son, Theo Huxtable, on the long-running NBC sitcom.
“The legacy can’t help but be tarnished. …’The Cosby Show’ was part of the fiber of American culture so to see that, to see that the show doesn’t necessarily have the same sheen that it once did, is definitely a downer,”
When asked if he’s been in contact with his former TV father, Warner confirmed that he has, but opted not to provide details:
“I think the things that we discussed really have to stay private between us. But it’s just a bad situation all around — for him, for his family, the women, their families, the legacy of the show,”
You gotta feel bad for folks like Warner in this situation. Not only are they forced to address something that likely has very little to do with them, but they’re also being dragged along as collateral damage. Given the circumstances behind the accusations, especially with the number of accusers to this point, any sort of questioning has to be a little awkward.
(Via AP)
