Jill Scott went back and forth with a few of her Twitter followers Monday who could not believe the star singer and actor would stand up for the reputation of embattled comedian Bill Cosby, even as more women come forward alleging that he sexually assaulted them.
Scott and Cosby are both from Philadelphia, Pa., and attended Temple University before their careers took off. Cosby, who earned his Bachelor in Arts degree from the university, introduced Scott at the commencement ceremony earlier this year when she received her honorary degree.
Scott said she isn’t taking sides, but she’s also not going to automatically disregard what Cosby has done without proof.
@SimplyBerry u know Bill Cosby? I do child and this is insane. Proof. Period.
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) November 30, 2014
@SimplyBerry darling I’ve learned not to believe too much without proof. Especially about someone whose done so much for our greater good.
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
@JasBaileyTweets sides with Mr. Cosby? No. I side with substantiated proof when media/society is attempting to destroy a magnificent Legacy
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
@KristensWay I’m respecting a man who has done more for the image of Brown people that almost anyone EVER. From Fat Albert to the Huxtables
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
Cosby, who was a member of the board of trustees at Temple University for 32 years, resigned on Monday. “I have always been proud of my association with Temple University. I have always wanted to do what would be in the best interests of the university and its students. As a result, I have tendered my resignation from the Temple University board of trustees,” Cosby said in a statement Monday afternoon.
The board also issued a statement Monday, accepting Cosby’s resignation and thanking him for his service.
Chairman of the board of trustees Patrick O’Connor said that Cosby called him on Monday to inform him of his plans to resign, Reuters reported.
“He didn’t want his personal issue to detract from his service to Temple,” O’Connor said in a phone interview with Reuters.
At least 17 women have accused Cosby of sexually assaulting them, according to CNN.
In the wake of these allegations, Cosby has had some of his tour performances cancelled. He agreed to refund ticket holders for his two shows in Tarrytown, N.Y., on Dec. 6, according to the White Plains Daily Voice. NBC dropped a sitcom they were planning to have Cosby star in, Netflix cancelled the Nov. 27 premiere of a comedy special and TV Land has stopped playing reruns of “The Cosby Show.”
Cosby remains silent on the matter and hasn’t publicly addressed the series of allegations against him.
