Rhetoric Race and Religion
They are forgotten, shunned, hushed up. Their stories are covered up, and their testimonies are disbelieved. Sexual assault survivors are often forgotten women. Silencing survivors and offering unflagging support of accused rapists are textbook elements of rape culture. Today, Phylicia Rashad provides Exhibit A.
Phylicia Rashad is a Tony Award-winning actor with a distinguished stage and screen career. This month, she is receiving the Theatrical Arts Award at the BET Honors. She is most well-known for her role on the hit series “The Cosby Show.” She played the beloved Claire Huxtable, wife of Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby. More than 20 women, including Beverly Johnson and Janice Dickinson, have publicly accused Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting or sexually harassing them. In an exclusive interview with Roger Freedman of Showbiz 411, Rashad spoke out about the allegations against Cosby.
“Forget these women,” said Rashad. “What you’re seeing is the destruction of a legacy. And I think it’s orchestrated. I don’t know why or who’s doing it, but it’s the legacy. And it’s a legacy that is so important to the culture.” Rashad defends Cosby and dismisses his accusers without addressing their claims. She focuses on Cosby’s importance as a cultural icon and suggests that a conspiracy is at work against him. Also, Rashad acknowledged her relationship with Cosby and feelings for him by saying “I love him.”
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