Soul singer Jill Scott came to the defense of fellow Philadelphian Bill Cosby on Twitter recently in regards to multiple women alleging that the comedian raped them. Scott received an honorary doctorate from Temple University in May and Cosby, an alumnus, was on hand to present her with it. The singer got into a heated exchange on social media, standing by Cosby as a friend and advocate for proof of the allegations.
When one follower, also a Temple alum, asked Scott to sign a petition for the university to cut ties with the comedy star, the singer responded in the negative, philly.com noted. Cosby resigned from the university's board of trustees yesterday, Dec. 1.
@missjillscott A fellow alum is asking Temple to end their relationship w/ Bill Cosby. Sign & share? https://t.co/J6vvakf3rk
— Shelby Knox (@ShelbyKnox) November 24, 2014
Backlash soon followed, with one user citing the number of women who have alleged that Cosby is a rapist. Currently, there are 17 women who claim Cosby assaulted them, CNN reports.
@missjillscott @ShelbyKnox really Jill? Just how many more women need to come forward for you to believe? A smooth 20? — NayNayB (@naynayb) November 27, 2014
Another follower likened the need for proof in Cosby's case to that of the decision in Ferguson to not indict Police Officer Darren Wilson for the killing of Michael Brown.
@missjillscott @ShelbyKnox disappointed in Jill. Did u need an indictment to believe mike Browns family?
— Mia Lynn (@Mia44Lynn) November 28, 2014
Scott's reputation came under fire later, but the singer stood firm.
@SimplyBerry u know Bill Cosby? I do child and this is insane. Proof. Period. — ⭐Jill Scott⭐ (@missjillscott) November 30, 2014
@KristensWay I'm respecting a man who has done more for the image of Brown people that almost anyone EVER. From Fat Albert to the Huxtables
— ⭐Jill Scott⭐ (@missjillscott) December 1, 2014
