A day before Phylicia Rashad is to assume the reins as dean of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts, the veteran TV actress was embroiled in backlash for posting celebratory tweets in favor of Bill Cosby‘s unexpected prison release.
The hoopla got so hot, many called for her to step down from her new position at the prestigious historically Black college – a call the institution has responded to by issuing an official statement.
More below:
Taking to Twitter late Wednesday night (June 30), a rep from HU said:
*****
The message above was issued after Rashad’s name was blown to trending status on Twitter for her joyous response to Cosby’s release from prison after serving 2 of a 3-10 year sentence for sexual assault.
Many deemed her comment insensitive to rape and sexual assault survivors, especially as it became clear the embattled comedian’s freedom was not exoneration but simply the result of a technicality.
Once news of the backlash reached Phylicia’s desk, she not only turned off her comments on all of her social media handles but later issued another statement in support of survivors. Click here to read it.
[main photo sources: Getty Images/AP Images/Twitter]