It was reported earlier this week that Harvey Weinstein was able to negotiate a $44 million deal to settle civil lawsuits with women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, and now Bill Cosby is speaking out on the disgraced film exec’s legal battle.
According to The Blast, while Weinstein is still facing a criminal trial for accusations of sexual violence, sources close to his legal team said they believe that the newly agreed settlement is a step toward victory and end of the case.
Apparently, it would be harder for the prosecution to get testimonies from accusers who have settled because of alleged confidentiality agreements in place. These agreements would keep the women from discussing allegations altogether and eventually testifying against Weinstein.
For Cosby, who is currently imprisoned on sexual assault charges, the decision to pay a rape accuser didn’t go as planned. In 2006, the comedian settled with Andrea Constand for $3.38 million, and she still broke their agreement, pursuing criminal charges nine years later.
“I was given a promise, waived my 5th Amendment Rights and settled out of court with Andrea Constand for $3.8 million,” Cosby told the Blast. “She was able to get a second bite of the apple, please tell me – is this Un-American or not?”
Many people online have compared both cases, and they believe that it’s unfair that Weinstein was able to finesse the system, while Cosby is behind bars. Cosby agrees and understands that his conviction was part of a bigger plot to “take down” successful black men.
“Good that Mr. Weinstein has an ethical judge, who rules based on the law, not personal agenda and/or political aspirations.” “My lynchers, Judge O’Neill and Kevin Steele, have shown the true color of their uniforms, a white sheet,” he added.
Cosby has petitioned to be released from custody at SCI in Phoenix, but The Blast reports his efforts are to “no avail.”
