The rise and fall of Bill Cosby
Many comedians cultivated sleazy reputations last century, but Cosby was not one of them. His wholesome routine opened the door to late-show slots and prime-time roles, gigs so often denied to black performers. His star vehicle
The Cosby Show ran for eight seasons from 1984, enshrining him as America’s irascible, lovable dad in kitschy jumpers. He was middle class, he was conservative, he was safe. Even as the assault rumours gained momentum, he remained the grand old man of G-rated comedy.
What happened?
In January 2005, a former basketball pro called police from her mother’s home in Toronto, Canada, to report a rape.