After years of legal battles, Bill Cosby can now be labeled as a serial sexual assaulter without any hesitation. The comedian was found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault after drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. This verdict brought a sigh of relief to Constand and many others who had been seeking justice against Cosby for years. With the rise of the #MeToo movement, a once revered Hollywood figure finally faced the consequences of his actions.
Following Cosby’s conviction, Bounce TV, the last network airing “The Cosby Show,” announced it would pull the sitcom from its schedule. This decision was celebrated by those who sought justice for Cosby’s victims, as it erased the image of Cosby as the wholesome father figure he portrayed on television.
However, this decision has broader implications. Bill Cosby wasn’t the only one on “The Cosby Show” and thus isn’t the only one losing out on residual income. The show’s cast included talented women like Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Bonet, and Keshia Knight Pulliam. These actresses, along with their male co-star Malcolm-Jamal Warner, are also financially affected by the show’s removal from syndication. Warner has been vocal about the financial impact, indicating that residuals still provide a significant cushion even decades later.
Despite continued work in the industry, none of the show’s stars landed roles as lucrative as their iconic parts on “The Cosby Show.” While it’s easy to dismiss their concerns about residuals, it’s important to remember that these performers dedicated nearly a decade to creating a groundbreaking portrayal of a Black family on television. Their work helped millions see Black people as intelligent, loving, and successful—an image that was revolutionary in the 1980s.
As networks continue to distance themselves from Bill Cosby, it’s crucial to recognize the unintended financial consequences for his innocent co-stars.
