Should we forgive Bill Cobsy?

Bill cosby, the evolution of an Icon
By now, we have all heard the allegations made by
numerous women that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted them.
At least 15 have accused him of abuse, with the first
incident in the late 1960s and the last in 2004.
While his attorneys have denied most of these assertions,
Cosby has publicly refused to comment. In fact just a few
weeks ago, Cosby not only declined to answer an
Associated Press reporter's question about the claims, he
told the reporter that he would appreciate it if any reference
to the allegations not appear in the story.
So now what? Well, it's not likely Cosby will be
criminally prosecuted. The only alleged incident
that clearly falls within the criminal statute of
limitations is the one involving Andrea Constand.
That event purportedly took place in 2004 in
Pennsylvania, a state that provides victims with
12 years to file a criminal complaint in sexual
assault cases.
But don't count on seeing a criminal action. In
part, because t he prosecutor didn't find sufficient evidence
to prosecute back in 2005. In addition, Cosby paid an
undisclosed sum to Constand in 2006 to settle the civil
lawsuit arising from the alleged sexual assault. I can tell you
as a former trial lawyer that that civil settlement would have,
without a doubt, included a release by Constand of all
claims against Cosby, including criminal.
Cosby's career has been deeply damaged by the ongoing
scandal and he has been denounced pretty much
everywhere.
Is there something that he could do now that could
persuade the millions of people who were once his fans to
potentially see him again as a comedian, not as a serial
rapist -- which is how I now see him?
I posed this question on social media: What do we want
from Bill Cosby now?
The responses revealed an interesting cross section of
opinion from men and women on all sides of the issue. And
while they varied greatly, a common theme emerged. But
before I mention that one, here are some of the often
thought-provoking comments I received in response to the
question.
Nothing I suppose... nothing he could say justifies anything
he has done @germanphile
... He should 100% retire so his victims never have to be
reminded of his presence again @sidra_zaidi
Want to hear how could criticize blacks for years
knowing he had these demons in his closet!
@ChrisAlanComedy:
Leave him alone. @MLCzone
"Make a massive donation to a rape prevention
program." Comment on Facebook from Lynn
Harris
If he's guilty, which it seems that he is, then he
deserves to go to prison for his crimes regardless
of his age. @wmzraz
"He should apologize to his victims. Maybe pay
compensation as well." Comment on Facebook
from Basel Ammane.
... WE must turn tragedy into teachable moment.
@kthalps
Car battery, jumper cables and a narcoleptic
switchwoman @maverick_kris
These comments truly reflect the range of responses I
received, with many advocating Cosby be imprisoned and a
few defending him. But the most common reaction was this:
"Tell the truth!" Comment on Facebook from Lala Elborno