I first heard Bill Cosby when I was about 10 years old. The early 60’s and he was a phenom! NOOOOOAH! What a great bit. Then “Hey, Hey, Hey, Fat Albert!!!” The guy had us all in stitches. And it didn’t stop. The man had a stellar career as a comedian. Head of the class by all accounts. Father of the TV world- on top of even that, when blacks were not given the fair shake. He could do no wrong. But, decades later, it was found that he did. I had a hard time believing it, as most of America felt the same. But it was true. He violated women for decades, but they did not speak out. It was not safe for them, nor the time.
Now, even though he is in his 80’s, justice will be served. This is the regular United States, where you have people who testify and people who defend. Fair trial, with witnesses on both sides, stating the best they can to bring justice. Whether I was shocked, dismayed, or hurt, I remember the glorious past I lived through, but now with a huge asterisk. Hey, I had a hard time with the early days of OJ, too. These guys were big.
That is show biz, and we are only affected by our prides and reflections of an earlier better time. New and funnier people have come over those decades.
Enter Brett. Not a comedian, nor a celebrity as we think in show biz. Still, a star in his own right. A man who, for decades, claimed to be the perfect husband, servant to the people and all around man with integrity and above reproach. Like Gary Hart?
In the limelight, there is no place to hide. You are in the spotlight at all times. Comedian, politician, actor, musician, or any other profession you wish to be in the public eye, you are scrutinized by any and all observers. Let’s not forget the clergy, whose boys took decades to come forward, until finally heard. For the past year of so, the “Me Too” movement has given strength to those who felt they could not speak of the past. Many careers have been shattered, in all walks of life. Hence the issue at hand.
Now, on September 28th, allegations have been heard and Brett has given his side. The ABA, yes the American Bar Association, asked for an FBI investigation to the sexual assault claim. The senate refused (again) to get the FBI involved. What is truth? How do we find it with neither witnesses nor investigations?