This week’s social media challenge involving generating Bill Cosby memes has brought the rape allegations made against the comedian back to light.
After the assault allegations were brought to attention once again by the many Bill Cosby memes that began circulating the internet since Monday, one of the comedian’s alleged victims published an op-ed piece in the Washington post in which she asks why it has taken so long for the public to acknowledge that the television star had perpetrated a reported 13 instances of sexual assault, according to the NY Daily News.
The memes weren’t the only things that may have encouraged the public to become aware of the rape allegations made against Bill Cosby. Stand-up comedian Hannibal Buress’ routine about the actor also played a significant role in helping bring attention to Barbara Bowman’s story.
Bowman reportedly explained that although she began confiding in various people after her final interaction with Cosby, they showed “dismissive responses” that “crushed any hope I had of getting help.” Bowman also reportedly shared her story with various publications.
“Still, my complaint didn’t seem to take hold. Only after a man, Hannibal Buress, called Bill Cosby a rapist in a comedy act last month did public outcry begin in earnest,” Bowman wrote in her recent essay.
Bowman reportedly stated that although she was grateful that Hannibal Buress’ comment brought attention to her case as did the meme backlash, she questioned why she wasn’t believed in the first place.
“The women victimized by Bill Cosby have been talking about his crimes for more than a decade. Why didn’t our stories go viral?,” wrote Bowman.
Barbara Bowman had reportedly come to New York City at the age of 17 to pursue an acting career with Cosby as her guide, according to The Wrap. During her interview on CNN last night, Bowman reportedly went on to reveal multiple accounts of being drugged and raped by Cosby.
“Famous and wealthy perpetrators use their power to shame and silence their victims,” Bowman wrote in her piece.
She continued, “It often takes years for young women to overcome those feelings and gain the confidence to come forward (by which point physical evidence is long gone).”
