On the latest episode of NPR’s Weekend Edition, comedy legend Bill Cosby and his wife Camille were featured as guest to talk about a collection of African art they’ve loaned to the Smithsonian. The interview was going along pleasantly until the end, when host Scott Simon asked Cosby about a series of rape allegations against him that recently resurfaced in the media and online. Things immediately got awkward. When Simon said, “This question gives me no pleasure, Mr. Cosby, but there have been serious allegations raised about you in recent days,” Cosby remained completely silent. Simon attempted to fill the dead air, saying,
You’re shaking your head no. I’m in the news business, I have to ask the question, do you have any response to those charges? … Shaking your head no… There are people who love you who might like to hear from you about this. I want to give you the chance. Alright.
The statement was met with more silence from Cosby. Numerous allegations of sexual assault and rape against him date back decades, and in 2006 he settled a sexual assault-related lawsuit in which several women provided affidavits. After the interview, Cosby canceled his scheduled appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. In a statement, Cosby’s lawyer said that the comedian would not “dignify” the “decade-old, discredited allegations” with a comment …
