Actor Malcolm Jamal Warner has finally commented on the drama that his TV dad has been going since 35 women accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault.
Warner, who was on “The Cosby Show” since its inception in the 80’s, could not speak directly to the allegations, but said he considered Cosby a “friend and mentor.”
“He’s one of my mentors, and he’s been very influential and played a big role in my life as a friend and mentor,” Warner told Billboard. “Just as it’s painful to hear any woman talk about sexual assault, whether true or not, it’s just as painful to watch my friend and mentor go through this.
He continued, like Phylicia Rashad before him, to stress the importance of the vast entertainment legacy of his friend.
“I can’t really speak on any of the allegations because obviously, I was not there. The Bill Cosby I know has been great to me and great for a lot of people. What he’s done for comedy and television has been legendary and history-making” Warner said. “What he’s done for the black community and education has been invaluable. That’s the Bill Cosby I know. I can’t speak on the other stuff.”
Rreviously, Rashad had said that she felt there were other forces that were bent on destroying the legacy of “The Cosby Show,” which showed an exceptional view of Black family life.
Another Cosby kid – Keshia Knight Pulliam – said, “Unfortunately, in the court of public opinion, everyone has formed their opinion, but we’re still in America and you’re innocent until proven guilty of any crimes,” she said on the Today show.