Did the National Museum of African American History and Culture buckle under pressure after several of Bill Cosby's accusers expressed their displeasure at finding out that items celebrating Cosby's career would be on display at the new museum?
Possibly, because now, although the items will still be on display, the museum says that it'll show the good and bad of Cosby.
Earlier this week, the New York Times reported that an exhibit honoring Cosby's achievements would be on display in the new museum, which is slated to open in September. But accusers also wanted the museum to recognize that allegations of sexual assault and drugging also play a role in Cosby's life.
On Thursday the museum issued a statement saying that the exhibit wasn't Cosby-specific but that four items from his career would be displayed in an exhibit honoring several achievements made by African Americans in entertainment.
"This is not an exhibition that 'honors or celebrates' Bill Cosby but one that acknowledges his role, among many others, in American entertainment," museum Director Lonnie Bunch said in a statement. "Visitors will leave the exhibition knowing more about Mr. Cosby's impact on American entertainment, while recognizing that his legacy has been severely damaged by the recent accusations."
The items in question include a comedy record, I Started Out as a Child, from 1964, a comic book from I Spy, and clips from I Spy and The Cosby Show.
Cosby is currently involved in a Pennsylvania criminal trial stemming from sexual assault and drugging accusations made by a former Temple University employee.