#Cosby
Resurgence of sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby that ended his career.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak | October-December 2014 |
| Event | Hannibal Buress joke reignited allegations |
| Accusers | 60+ women eventually came forward |
| Outcome | Cosby convicted in 2018 |
Origin & Impact
In October 2014, comedian Hannibal Buress called Bill Cosby a rapist during a standup routine. The video went viral, reigniting decades-old allegations and prompting more women to come forward publicly. #Cosby trended for months as “America’s Dad” faced a dramatic fall from grace.
The case became a watershed #MeToo precursor, demonstrating how powerful men could evade accountability for decades and how social media could amplify voices previously ignored. Over 60 women eventually accused Cosby of sexual assault. He was convicted in 2018 (controversially overturned in 2021). #Cosby represented a cultural reckoning that set the stage for #MeToo three years later.
Related Hashtags
- #HannibalBuress
- #MeToo (precursor)
- #BelieveWomen
- #TimesUp