Bill Cosby's Former Manager Defends Actor's 'Good Time' with Quaaludes and Women
In a recent television appearance, Bill Cosby's ex-manager Andrew Wyatt offered a controversial defense of the disgraced actor, stating that Cosby was merely "having a good time" in the 1970s by providing Quaaludes to women he hoped to have sexual relations with. This statement comes on the heels of Cosby losing a significant civil lawsuit to Donna Mosinger, a woman who alleges he drugged and sexually assaulted her over five decades ago.
Ex-Manager's Defense on TMZ Live
During an episode of TMZ Live on Thursday, Wyatt was questioned about Cosby's recent legal defeat in the civil case brought by Mosinger. Wyatt defended his former client, suggesting that Cosby was unfairly singled out due to his celebrity status during an era of widespread partying and permissive behavior.
"He feels that he wasn't the only entertainer having a good time. He wasn't the only one kissing back," Wyatt asserted during the interview. He emphasized that in the culture of the 1970s, there was extensive socializing and recreational drug use, implying that Cosby's actions were not exceptional for the time.
Cosby's Admission and Legal Consequences
Bill Cosby has previously admitted under oath that he obtained a recreational prescription for Quaaludes from a gynecologist at a poker game before 1972. He stated that he refilled this prescription seven times but claimed he never personally consumed the sedative. However, during the TMZ Live discussion, host Harvey Levin challenged Wyatt, pointing to substantial evidence that Cosby was surreptitiously administering these drugs to women.
Wyatt countered by stating, "As far as I know, he claims he had the Quaaludes on him and they (women) asked for the Quaaludes and he obliged them." This explanation did not withstand legal scrutiny. Earlier this week, a California jury found Cosby liable for drugging and assaulting Donna Mosinger in 1972, awarding her a substantial sum of US$19.25 million in damages.
Accusers 'Coming for Blood'
Wyatt described the current legal climate as particularly aggressive towards Cosby, remarking, "They're coming for blood right now. For them, it's justice. For Mr. Cosby, it's blood." He clarified that he is no longer part of Cosby's legal team and is not acting as an apologist, but rather providing context based on his observations and conversations with the actor.
Despite Wyatt's defense, Cosby has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the allegations. The civil lawsuit filed by Mosinger in 2023 detailed that Cosby invited her to his standup performance, where he provided her with wine and two pills she believed to be aspirin. She reported being in and out of consciousness as two men placed her in a limousine, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
This case adds to the numerous legal and civil challenges Bill Cosby has faced in recent years, further tarnishing the legacy of the once-beloved comedian and actor. The substantial financial penalty awarded to Mosinger underscores the severity with which the court views these allegations, regardless of the era in which they took place.
Public and media reactions to Wyatt's comments have been largely critical, with many viewing his defense as an attempt to minimize serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The ongoing legal battles continue to highlight issues of accountability, celebrity influence, and the long-term impact of historical assaults.
