Β Bill Cosby is a man who’s been a role model and educator for many years. Β But as more and more women come forward with rape allegations, his image is being blemished, and that’s hard on a lot of fans.
As of Wednesday, NBC has canceled its “comeback” show for Cosby. Β That follows word that Netflix has also scratched a Cosby project. Β Although he is still slated for a Charlotte appearance at Belk Theater in February.
We’re also hearing that Janice Dickerson from the CW’s America’s Next Top Model is making claims against Cosby. Β She’s the third woman in a month to say Cosby drugged and raped her, stating that it happened back in ’82 when she was discussing a job with him. Β But so many people don’t want to believe the claims, because Bill Cosby has been such an inspiration. Β
Though he’s certainly not the only high-profile person to have his halo dimmed. Β The NBA just suspended the Hornets’ Jeffery Taylor for 24 games, without pay, because of his domestic assault guilty plea. Β And other athletes such as Greg Hardy, Adrian Peterson and Aaron Hernandez are facing their own legal issues.
And it’s not just athletes or actors either. Β Martha Stewart’s jail term was a blow to fans, and Bill Clinton’s extra-marital affairs were hard for some to believe. Β They’re all role models to some people.
So our Man on the Edge, Robert Wilder, asked the people of Charlotte: How do you handle a role model’s image being tarnished?
