Bill Cosby’s TV son Malcolm-Jamal Warner speaks out
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who plays Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has kept quiet about his one-time TV father, Bill Cosby — until now.
In an interview with Billboard magazine, Warner said that Cosby was a major influence in his life and that it was “painful” to see him become the subject of rape allegations.
“He was one of my mentors, he was very influential and played an important role in my life as a friend and mentor,” Warner said. “As painful as it is to hear any woman talk about sexual assault, whether right or wrong, it was equally painful to watch my friend and mentor go through this.”
About two dozen women have accused Cosby of drugging and sexual misconduct in allegations that span decades, in some cases.
Cosby never faced criminal charges. He and his lawyer have repeatedly denied the allegations.
At least three Cosby accusers have filed a federal defamation lawsuit against him, claiming that after making the allegations, they were called liars.
Warner isn’t the only “Cosby Show” star being talked about. Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosby’s wife on “The Cosby Show” as well as in the later “Cosby,” said she sees the controversy as part of a larger conspiracy.
“Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV,” she told Showbiz 411’s Roger Friedman. “And it worked. All his contracts have been cancelled.”
Cosby was supposed to appear in a new NBC sitcom, but the project was shelved. He continued his concert tour, although some stops attracted protesters. Warner said he thinks of Cosby positively.
“I can’t really talk about any of the allegations because obviously I wasn’t there. The Bill Cosby I knew was wonderful to me and to so many people,” he said.
“What he did for comedy and television was legendary and history-making. What he did for the community and black education was invaluable. That’s the Bill Cosby I know. I cannot talk to others
