Bill Cosby's fans and foes take to social media after assault charge

Bill Cosby’s fans and foes take to social media after assault charge

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Once called “America’s Dad,” Bill Cosby built a career around his Everyman image; now he’s facing allegations of sexual assault. Here are some of his career and life moments.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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Cosby was born on July 12, 1937 and raised in Philadelphia. After being a sports star in high school, he joined the Navy and has been a vocal supporter ever since. Here, he’s shown at a Veterans Day ceremony in 2014. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

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Bill Cosby (pictured in 2010) began his showbiz life as a stand-up comedian in the early 1960s. His wholesome comedy, liked by black and white audiences, was often criticized in comparison with edgy stand-ups like Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce. (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

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Autumn Jackson claimed to be the daughter of Bill Cosby, but, in a high-profile case, was convicted in 1997 of trying to extort $40 million from the comedian. Cosby had acknowledged a relationship with Jackson’s mother but denied he was the father. (David Karo / Associated Press)

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Tragedy struck in 1997 when Bill Cosby’s son, Ennis, was killed alongside a Los Angeles highway, making national headlines. Mikhail Markhasev confessed to the crime. (Alan Singer / Associated Press)

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The Temple University graduate has long been a supporter of education and is often seen in clothing emblazoned with school names. Here, Cosby addresses graduates of Teachers College at Columbia University in 1998. (Suzanne Plunkett / Associated Press)

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Bill Cosby became a Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 1998. He’s pictured with his wife, Camille, as they arrive at the White House for a reception. (Chris Kleponis / AFP)

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Bill Cosby has long been an activist and civil rights proponent, from participating in marches to supporting figures like former South African President Nelson Mandela in human rights causes. (Sasa Kralj / Associated Press)

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Cosby’s love of jazz translated to him serving as host of the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, which he did from 1979 to 2012. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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Several women have claimed that Cosby sexually assaulted them. Though the comedian has denied the allegations, several recent projects and appearances have been dropped or canceled. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

By Nardine SaadStaff Writer

Dec. 30, 2015 9:55 AM PT

News that Bill Cosby has been charged with assault quickly spread through social media Wednesday morning, with defenders criticizing media coverage and Cosby critics welcoming prosecutors' announcement with the reaction of "finally."

The charges are related to ex-Temple University employee Andrea Constand's allegations that Cosby sexually assaulted her after drugging her at his Pennsylvania home in January 2004. The move follows dozens of similar allegations in the last year.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour >>

Some on social media called for President Obama to revoke Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded in 2002. Here's a sampling of other comments:

"They indicted bill Cosby on hearsay but got murders on camera no indictment what a surprise," wrote Facebook user Dimeco Hicks, seemingly in reference to recent shootings of black men by white police officers.

FULL COVERAGE: Bill Cosby sex assault allegations and charges >>

Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.

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Entertainment & Arts

Nardine Saad

Nardine Saad covers breaking entertainment news, trending culture topics, celebrities and their kin for the Fast Break Desk at the Los Angeles Times. She joined The Times in 2010 as a MetPro trainee and has reported from homicide scenes, flooded canyons, red carpet premieres and award shows.

Bill Cosby’s fans and foes take to social media after assault charge

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