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It’s been almost one week since Bill Cosby was found guilty of sexual assault, which he now faces 10 years in prison for, and there are some who still can’t believe it.
One of those people happens to be Akon, who said he’s having trouble accepting the fact that one of his childhood heroes is now a convicted felon. He was also asked what he considers to be a fitting sentence for the 80-year-old.
“I mean, whatever the law requires,” he told TMZ. “I mean at this point, Bill Cosby’s life has been well-lived … It’s horrible to kind of think about it, how someone could have that much impact in the world and have their legacy just be crashed. I don’t know to the extent of all the facts that’s been put in.”
Akon then said that he wasn’t sure if Cosby is actually guilty or if an injustice was committed. Clearly, his opinion differs from many others, who’ve said the 60 accusers couldn’t all be lying.
“We don’t really know if he did it or he didn’t do it … It’s been a lot of people convicted that’s been innocent,” he explained. “In situations like this you just, I don’t know. I’ve already been painted a picture of Bill Cosby. He’s a hero to me from the pictures that’s been painted. It’s hard to flip that around, because I grew up as a child looking up to this man. And I wasn’t there at the trial, so whatever was revealed or whatever was … These are allegations from 30, 40 years ago.”
Akon isn’t the only person who’s stuck up for Cosby since the sexual assault accusations became major news in 2014, but most came to his defense prior to the conviction — people like Damon Wayans, Eddie Griffin and Whoopi Goldberg.
Others, however, didn’t spare their frustration when the guilty verdict came down.
“Hallelujah, It’s about damn time,” wrote author Terry McMillan.
“I haven’t forgotten about the many women you assaulted and silenced with your power,” tweeted comedian, writer and former talk show host Larry Wilmore.
Terry Crews, who last year accused a Hollywood agent of sexual assault, also agreed with the verdict and said it’s a step in the right direction. “This is the only way things will change,” he wrote.
As far as Akon’s take on Cosby, he said if the comedian is really guilty, he’ll get a stiff brand of justice from karma. From here, we’ll have to see if the singer faces any backlash for his comments.
You can see the interview below.
