Bill Cosby Refuses To Comment On Rape Allegations During The Most Awkward Interview Ever

Well, that escalated quickly. During an interview with NPR’s Scott Simon yesterday, Bill Cosby and his wife Camille were asked point-blank about the rape allegations against him that have recently resurfaced in the media (in both serious reports and memes, if you’re interested in getting caught up), and I have to say while I did not listen to said interview, the transcript is awkward enough. That’s not to say I disagree with Scott Simon doing his diligent reporter duty and choosing to ask Mr. Cosby about the allegations that he’s a serial rapist; I was just inwardly cringing because said interview also included Mrs. Cosby. And… ouch. I’m sorry, but I just feel for her here. I can’t help it.

The Cosbys went on-air to discuss the couples’ loan of more than 60 pieces of art to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. And I just have to ask, just *who* is representing Bill Cosby in the way of public relations these days? First, the meme disaster earlier this week, and now you’re sending him off for a cordial interview when he’s currently in the middle of a media firestorm? He’s being accused of raping multiple women, for Pete’s sake, not forgetting to recycle or jaywalking. Did Cosby and his team honestly think a REPORTER wouldn’t ask him about it? C’mon now. Here’s a painful excerpt:

SIMON: This question gives me no pleasure, Mr. Cosby, but there have been serious allegations raised about you in recent days. You’re shaking your head no. I’m in the news business. I have to ask the question – do you have any response to those charges? Shaking your head no – there are people who love you who might like to hear from you about this. I want to give you the chance. All right, Camille and Bill Cosby […] Thank you both for joining us.

C. COSBY: Thank you. Thank you.

The fact that it’s Camille thanking him for the interview just really brings the awkwardness home for me. The discomfort was tangibly evident in just reading that interview. Don’t get me wrong; I certainly feel like Cosby needs to answer for his alleged crimes if he’s guilty. I don’t feel sorry for him at all. I do feel sorry for his wife, though. She shouldn’t have to answer for her husband about this matter now or ever.

(Photo: Twitter)