After attempting to gain parole for his sexual assault conviction, Bill Cosby has been denied by the Pennsylvania Parole Board. Following a video interview with the former comedian, members of the board ultimately decided to pass on granting Cosby his freedom, citing his refusal to attend a sex offender therapy program as a deciding factor.
According to the New York Daily News, Cosby sat down on May 7 for a video conference interview, hoping to be granted an early release. Due to his failure to complete the sex offender therapy program along with a “negative recommendation” from corrections officials and no parole release plan, the former Kids Say The Darndest Things host was denied parole on May 11.
Bill Cosby’s petition for parole denied after he refuses therapy https://t.co/iIFU02qfQY pic.twitter.com/mxb9OK2PKB
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 27, 2021
Andrew Wyatt, a spokesperson for Cosby, claimed that he remains hopeful of receiving parole in the future. “Mr. Cosby has vehemently proclaimed his innocence and continues to deny all allegations made against him.”
Today, Mr. Cosby continues to remain hopeful that the Pennslyvania State Supreme Court will issue an opinion to vacate his conviction or warrant him a new trial.” he said Thursday, according to the New York Daily News.
Cosby had 60 sexual assault accusers prior to his September 2018 sentencing hearing, including supermodels Janice Dickinson and Beverly Johnson. But as of now, he’s only been convicted for the drugging and assault of Andrea Constand, who testified that he committed the crime at his home in 2004.
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He was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison, and according to the New York Daily News, may be eligible for release on September 25. But first, Cosby has to be interviewed three to five months prior by the Pennsylvania Parole Board and receive their approval.
According to the New York Daily News, members will look to see if Cosby has “successfully participated in/successfully completed a treatment program for sex offenders and violence prevention” the next time he goes before the board.
