A one-hour special, devoted to the women who have come out to accuse comedian Bill Cosby of sexual assault, will be aired by A&E on Thursday.
Entitled "Cosby: The Women Speak," the program will feature intimate interviews with more than a dozen of Cosby's accusers who will explain "why they have come forward, how this story began and what's next," according to A&E. It will also present in detail Cosby's rise to stardom, plus the recent and rapid decline of his career after the allegations of sexual assault re-surfaced. Included in the list of women who will be appearing in the special are Louisa Moritz, model Beverly Johnson, and publicist Joan Tarshis.
The special will be aired this Thursday, Sept. 17, 9 PM ET/PT.
In a 30-second preview which the network released last Monday, Johnson was quoted saying, "I think a lie always sees the light." The trailer also shows Beth Ferrier and Lise-Lotte Lublin, as among those interviewed.
Cosby has been subjected to sexual assault allegations since 2000. Today, more than 50 women have now come forward with the same accusation. No criminal charges has been filed against him as most of the acts he has been accused of fell outside the statutes of limitations for legal proceedings.
These accusations saw little action until last year, when they were brought up by comedian Hannibal Buress in a stand-up bit, shedding a new light on the allegations and prompting more women to speak out. The show will also touch on how Buress' stand-up set triggered reactions in the internet, and how Cosby has handled the accusations hurled against him.
Cosby is best remembered as the producer and actor in the television sitcom, "The Cosby Show," which was rated as America's number one show for five years.
Lincoln Square Productions is behind this Cosby special for A&E. Jeanmarie Condon and Jim Hill Senior are the program's senior executive producer and executive producer, respectively. Shelly Tatro and Brad Abramson are the executive producers for A&E.
