Cosby’s Attorney Compares #MeToo to ‘Witch Hunts, Lynchings, McCarthyism’

NORRISTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA—Bill Cosby’s defense attorneys delivered their closing statements Tuesday morning, launching a blistering attack on the six women who testified Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted them and the #MeToo movement.

“Yes we have to deal with sexual assault,” said defense attorney Kathleen Bliss, who split the two-hour closing with lead defense attorney Tom Mesereau. “It’s a worldwide problem. There’s no doubt about that. We have to deal with it. Just like we have to deal with sexual harassment. And pay disparity and social inequalities.

“But questioning an accuser is not shaming a victim,” she continued, her voice rising. “Mob rule is not due process. And just as we have had horrible, horrible crimes in our history we’ve also had horrible, horrible periods of time where emotion and hatred and fear have overwhelmed us. Witch hunts. Lynchings. McCarthyism.

“When you join a movement based primarily on emotion and anger, you don’t change a damn thing,” she said, referring to the #MeToo movement, where sexual assault and harassment allegations have toppled more than 100 men. “Which is why each case must be examined on its merits.” CLICK FOR MORE