Speaking before the National Association of Television Program Executives last week, Jay Leno spoke out?against the former star of “The Cosby Show” in light of the numerous allegations of rape and sexual assault brought against?him by more than 30 women. Said the former “Tonight Show” host about Bill Cosby (and see the full video below):
“I don’t know why it’s so hard to believe women.?I mean, you go to Saudi Arabia and you need two women to testify against a man; here you need 25.”
Thirteen women accused Cosby of rape and sexual assault in court in 2005. Since then, the number of women who’ve spoken out as victims has grown to more than 30. Cosby has not addressed the accusations in any significant way except to say that he is “not required to answer to innuendos.”
Most recently, Cindra Ladd, former TV executive and wife of Alan Ladd, Jr., former Fox and MGM/UA chief executive, accused Cosby of assaulting her when she was 21. Like many serial rapists, Cosby’s modus operandi didn’t seem to change much over the years. Like the majority of his other victims, Ladd reports being offered a pill that caused her to black out before she was assaulted.
Leno joins a growing list of celebrities such as Judd Apatow, Roseanne,?and Bill Maher to speak up in support of the accusers of Bill Cosby. On Twitter, Apatow openly called out venues allowing Cosby to perform, and called Cosby supporters “maddening. So cold.” Roseanne said that she was not surprised by the allegations, and wondered why the victims were not heard before Hannibal Burress was filmed calling out Cosby, concluding that “nobody gives a damn – until a man says it.”?Maher referenced accusations made by former supermodel Beverly Johnson when addressing claims that the accusers were motivated by fame to speak out falsely against the comedian, asking:
“What motivation could Beverly Johnson have??There’s no glamour in saying an old creep forced himself on you.”
I’m still having trouble imagining that it’s easier to believe that 30-plus women are willing to lie so maliciously, even perjure themselves in a court of law, than it is to believe that one man really is a serial rapist. The vitriol?and victim-blaming that have surfaced on social media in light of these brave women’s decision to come forward with their stories is disheartening and, as Judd Apatow so eloquently stated, “so cold.” Let’s hope that more people, just as Leno has done, will come forward in support of the victims.
Here’s the video:
