The #MeToo movement’s most vocal celebrity supporters react to the Bill Cosby verdict
After a lengthy and public trial in both the court of opinion and the halls of justice, Bill Cosby has been convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand 14 years ago. While this case concerned one woman, the collective feeling is that this verdict is also a triumph for the dozens of women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault over the years but were not given their day in court. It’s important to point out that this is the first celebrity trial since the #MeToo movement began, and many famous women who led the conversations and are still vocal in #MeToo and #TimesUp have chimed in with their reactions to the Cosby verdict.
Jessica Chastain tweeted, “Just because you’re rich and powerful doesn’t mean another person’s body is automatically available for sex. Consent must be given.” She followed up that tweet with examples of consent.
Elizabeth Banks offered up a sincere, “Finally some justice for Bill Cosby’s victims. May they find a little #peace today.”
Amber Tamblyn wrote, ” Justice for women I know who you’ve hurt and those I’ve never met.”
Rose McGowan said, “Cosby is guilty. I’m sorry if you loved a lie. His victims can now exhale. Thank you judge and jury. Thank you society for waking up.”
Just because you're rich and powerful doesn't mean another person’s body is automatically available for sex. Consent must be given.#BillCosby
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) April 26, 2018
For anyone confused, here are some examples of when CONSENT IS NOT GIVEN: pic.twitter.com/DKTHZhTRV3
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) April 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/989581163663626241
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/989576032196939776
Unbelievably amazing news!!!!! https://t.co/Z6yEcLT9fC
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) April 26, 2018
Finally some justice for Bill Cosby’s victims. May they find a little #peace today. #GUILTY
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) April 26, 2018
In a fitting end to Sexual Assault Awareness month, Bill Cosby was found guilty today. Thinking of all the women he traumatized over the past 50 years. As a survivor myself, I know that pain never fully goes away. But I hope that his victims finally feel some semblance of peace.
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) April 26, 2018
Time’s up, Bill. Time’s BEEN up for you, for years. And now justice. Justice for women I know who you’ve hurt and those I’ve never met. Good riddance. https://t.co/aJ0YaVhwyA
— Listening in the Dark ✨Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) April 26, 2018
You’re next, Harvey. We’re coming for you. All of you. #TimesUp https://t.co/pW15XLvHmL
— Listening in the Dark ✨Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) April 26, 2018
I wonder how long it’s going to take Trump to announce he’s going to pardon Bill Cosby.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) April 26, 2018
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It’s a bad week to be an old man who terrorized women for decades! But not as bad a week as it is to be a woman literally all of the other weeks! #GoldenStateKiller #BillCosby
— Allison Tolman (@Allison_Tolman) April 26, 2018
In the aftermath of the verdict, many are wondering if Cosby will serve time in jail. He faces a 10-year sentence for each of his three charges, for a total of 30 years, though the judge could rule that he’ll serve those sentences concurrently, meaning a max of 10 years in prison. Cosby will await his sentencing hearing at his home under house arrest.
We’re certain his victims and their supporters stand in the knowledge that today’s verdict was a huge step forward for the movement and for victims of sexual assault everywhere.
