«This issue can affect any young person, especially young athletes of today, » Cosby’s publicist said. «And they need to know what they’re facing.»
The announcement comes less than a week after Cosby’s high-profile trial on charges of aggravated indecent assault ended in a mistrial. The jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision.
Wyatt said the idea for the town halls came last week after calls poured in from churches and civic organizations asking Cosby to speak about what people can learn from sexual abuse allegations.
There is no official schedule for the town halls yet, Wyatt said, but Cosby’s team is planning on at least a five city tour that would include stops in Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia.
Benson said Cosby wants to hold these town halls because it’s important for people to be educated on what can be considered sexual assault.
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«Laws are changing, laws are changing. The statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault are being extended, » she said. «That’s why people need to be educated — you know, a brush across the shoulder, at this point, can be considered sexual assault and it’s a good thing to be educated about the law.»
Cosby, 79, has been accused of sexual assault or misconduct by at least 50 women, but has only gone to trial for the assault of Andrea Constand. Constand says Cosby drugged and assaulted her at his house in 2004.
The trial ended on Saturday after 12 days of trial and deliberations. After the verdict was announced, Wyatt left the courtroom with his fist in the air, declaring that Cosby’s «power is back.»
Prosecutors said they will retry Cosby, and Judge Steven O’Neill announced he would try to schedule a new trial within 120 days.
