Keshia Knight Pulliam Hopes ‘The Cosby Show’ Continues To Be Recognized As Revolutionary Sitcom Regardless of Bill Cosby’s Actions: ‘You Can’t Take Away The Work We Collectively Did’

Keshia Knight Pulliam Hopes ‘The Cosby Show’ Continues To Be Recognized As Revolutionary Sitcom Regardless of Bill Cosby’s Actions: ‘You Can’t Take Away The Work We Collectively Did’

Keshia Knight Pulliam believes The Cosby Show deserves its flowers — regardless of Bill Cosby‘s actions.

While speaking to PEOPLE, Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played youngest daughter Rudy on the hit ’90s sitcom, said

“You can’t take away the work that we all collectively did.”

The Cosby Show is praised as a revolutionary sitcom that portrayed an upper middle class Black American family —  with an all-star cast including Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Lisa Bonet — filled in love, integrity, and fun.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Proud Of The Impact ‘The Cosby Show’ Had On Black Culture Despite Bill Cosby’s Sexual Abuse Scandals

During its eight seasons and years in syndication, the series received praise for being a bright spot against the prevalent racial stereotypes in the media during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Bill Cosby, the show’s 86-year-old namesake, has been the subject of a whirlwind of controversy due to many accusations of sexual misconduct and assault dating back to the 1970s. More than 60 women came forward with accusations against him in 2018 — the year Bill Cosby was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault after Andrea Constanza testified he had drugged and sexually assaulted her in his Pennsylvania home in 2004.

Cosby received a three to 10 year sentence, serving over two years before a court overturned his conviction in 2021 on the grounds that an agreement he made with a former prosecutor rendered his case unenforceable. The embattled actor’s legal team continues to deny every accusation against him.

Bill Cosby Facing New Lawsuit From 5 Women For Alleged Sexual Assault, Some Accusers Appeared On ‘The Cosby Show,’ Comedian Denies Claims 

As previously reported, a woman named Donna Motsinger filed a lawsuit against Cosby in September for allegedly raping her in 1972 during her time as a server in California. Motsinger reportedly initially shared her allegations in 2014, but wants damages due to mental, physical, and emotional distress — allegations Cosby‘s representative Andrew Wyatt referred to as “utterly ridiculous and pointless.”

Still, Keshia Knight Pulliam hopes viewers can understand that the show “was bigger than the person” so the program can continue to receive recognition for changing the television industry. She said,

“A lot of actors wait their entire lifetime for an opportunity like that. I’m grateful I have been a part of a piece of work that has really transcended generations and that’s still teaching lessons that are relevant today.”

What are your thoughts on what Keshia Knight Pulliam shared? Let us know in the comments!

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