Bill Cosby had 2 ‘life-sustaining’ surgeries in 2019, publicist reveals in plea for early release

PHILADELPHIA – The representative for disgraced actor and comedian Bill Cosby is asking for his client to be released early from jail citing concern that his medical history could make him vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Andrew Wyatt revealed in a press release Saturday that Cosby underwent two life-sustaining surgeries in the fall of 2019.

According to Wyatt, a longtime friend and publicist for Cosby, doctors at SCI-Phoenix discovered a 90 percent plaque blockage in Cosby’s left and right carotid arteries. Cosby was visiting doctors due to concerns about high blood pressure.

Surgeries to clear the blockages were done successfully and separately at a nearby hospital.

Wyatt says if the surgeries were not done, Cosby would be susceptible to a stroke or heart attack. The carotid arteries are responsible for carrying blood to the brain, neck, and face.

Cosby, 82, now takes medication for high blood pressure and is completely blind from glaucoma, Wyatt said.