Bill Cosby’s trial on sexual assault started on Monday at Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania, ET reports.
Assistant District Attorney Kristen Feden presented the prosecution’s opening statements to presiding judge Steven O’Neill, in which she emphasized that the case is about “trust, betrayal and the inability to consent.”
“When you think whether or not he knew what effect those pills would have on Andrea, I would submit that he did,” Feden said. She then presented the possibility that the actor’s public status has the potential to skew public perception, arguing, “Our society celebrates [celebrities] to the point that they become gods. …Because of that, we think we really know them.”
Brian McMonagle, Cosby’s defense lawyer, strongly denied all accusations against his client, and presented the allegations made about Cosby were deliberately false.
“The only thing that is worse than [sexual assault] is the false accusation of sexual assault,” McMonagle stated, adding that a false accusations can “destroy a man’s life.”
McMonagle addressed the jury, which is composed of seven men and five women, saying, “Try to be the juror that you would want if it was your grandfather or your father or your son or you sitting over there. No distractions! Be that jury.”
The 79-year-old actor is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent assault for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee, at his mansion in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, in January 2004. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and has constantly denied similar accusations from other women. Aggravated indecent assault holds a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
McMonagle contested Constand’s accounts of the incident and asked questions to discredit Constand’s timeline and claims regarding the night in question.
The first witness to give testimony was Kelly Johnson, one of several women who claimed to have been drugged and sexually assaulted by Cosby over the last four decades.
According to Johnson, after meeting Cosby in 1990 and striking up a fatherly friendship, she claims that, in 1996, Cosby offered her a pill during a private meeting at his bungalow and sexually assaulted her. She says she was frightened and did not consent.
Johnson broke down in tears while recalling the alleged incident. She went on to say that she did not tell the police at the time because she was “afraid.”
The defense questioned the validity of Johnson’s testimony upon cross-examination. McMonagle interrogated her reported timeline, supposed inconsistencies with the statement she gave in 1996, and her declaration that she was not using drugs at the time of the incident.
“You, never having done drugs, took a pill out of a man’s hand, who was in a robe, and took it? That’s your sworn testimony?” McMonagle questioned.
Cosby is not on trial for the claims made by Johnson. Her testimony was presented by the prosecution to establish an alleged history of behavior. The comedian has previously denied Johnson’s allegations, and all other claims made against him.
Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played one of Cosby’s daughters, Rudy Huxtable, on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, sat in the courtroom on Monday to show her support for the actor.
Pulliam, who is vocal of her support for Cosby, told the reporters during the break why she was attending the first day of the trial.
“I came to support [Cosby] because this is where you hear the facts. This is where the truth happens,” the 38-year-old actress said. “Ultimately, it’s easy to support someone and to be in their corner when things are great, when things are good. But…true family, friendship, integrity is how people show up and support when things aren’t looking so great, when they aren’t shining.”
The actress said she will “accept whatever verdict” the jury will give and believes they will make the right decision.
“Right now, it’s the jury’s decision, and it’s the jury’s job to decide guilt and innocence. It’s not mine or anyone else’s,” Pulliam explained. “As an advocate for women and with my nonprofit, the Kamp Kizzy Foundation, which is all about empowerment, self-esteem for girls, I don’t take these charges lightly. I don’t condone sexual assault in any way shape or form.”
“My truth was to be here and to be supportive, and it’s not always easy to do what you feel is truthful and what you feel is right when there’s so much controversy. But ultimately, that’s just how I’ve lived my life—in terms of being very genuine and authentic to who I am. And I can’t stop doing that now,” she added. “I just pray for all parties involved because this isn’t a great situation, no matter what side of the coin you’re on.”
Pulliam was spotted walking with Cosby into the courthouse before the trial began. The two appeared to be in good spirits. Cosby later thanked Pulliam for her support on Twitter,”Thank you to Cliff and Claire’s 4 year old daughter (Rudy) and the Brilliant Spelman Alumnus.”