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Howard Dean, Phylicia Rashad, Sorry For 'Insensitive' Cosby Tweet

Phylicia Rashad, Howard alum and recently appointed Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University, offered her sincere apologies to the university’s parents and students after showing her support this week for Bill Cosby who was released from jail on sexual assault charges. 

Bill Cosby with Phylicia Rashad
Bill Cosby with Phylicia Rashad for The Cosby Show. (Circa 1984)

Shortly after Cosby’s release, Rashad tweeted (then deleted), “FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted- a miscarriage of justice is corrected!” along with a picture of her The Cosby Show TV husband with raised arm and fisted stance. 

RELATED: Cosby Responds

Her remarks got the attention of the Twitter-sphere who, along with her employer, thought Ms. Rashad’s comments were also “insensitive.”

HU Rashad Statement

In a statement, Howard University wrote, “… her initial tweet lacked sensitivity towards survivors of sexual assault...”

One Twitter user, @chellech, questioning the allegiance of Howard University to Rashad tweeted, "I wouldn't trust Howard with my daughters knowing you have DEANS there that stand with sexual predators. I imagine MANY parents feel the same."

Also opining on the matter was Fresh Prince of Belair actress Janet Hubert. In a brazen tweet Hubert,  self-proclaimed one who ‘speaks her mind’, tweeted: 

“Phylicia what are you thinking!!! I don't know you but to say this was terribly wrong. EVERYONE knew what he was doing back then. How could you NOT! Get your umbrella sista here comes the shit shower. I am outraged that he has been released. Yes, [sic] he is an old ass guilty man!”

RELATED: Debbie Allen, Rashad sister and another HU alum, mum?

Janet Hubert tweet

Ms. Rashad, having walked back her initial sentiment, first tweeted before writing her letter showing support for survivors of sexual assault:

Rashad apology tweet
"My remarks were in no way directed towards survivors of sexual assault. I vehemently oppose sexual violence, find no excuse for such behavior, and I know that Howard University has a zero-tolerance policy toward interpersonal violence," Rashad wrote in a letter. 

Howard University is supporting their new Dean and have no plans to dismiss Ms. Rashad. 

READ: Howard Hires Rashad

Despite the backlash, there was also support for Rashad’s comments.

“There’s nothing wrong with her statement”, tweeted @THAT_GUY_BRAD. “And Cosby has always said he was innocent and since no one knows the truth, this is making it seem like she’s siding with a criminal instead of an innocent person.”

Another supporter, @rschosker, tweeted, "Thank you for not giving in to the 1% twitter cancel culture. She is entitled to her opinions, even if they don't reflect what people believe is the mainstream view."

Rashad supporters

More than fifty women have claimed Cosby sexually assaulted them. A list of accusers was reported by Slate.com in 2018.  Despite the revealing details by the accusers, Cosby was released from the State Correctional Institution in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on a technicality 

Since the Cosby release, the National Sexual Assault Hotline has seen a 24% increase in hot line calls. On Friday, local news reported that D.C.’s Rape Crisis Center saw 10% more calls.

If you, or someone you know, has been sexually abused here is information that may be helpful. In the District, D.C. Rape Crisis Center, 202-333-RAPE. Nationwide, National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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