WASHINGTON (AP) – Bill Cosby was well on his way to becoming a national pariah for his alleged sexual misconduct when the Smithsonian launched an exhibit funded by Cosby and his wife that showcases art from their private collection.
After 15 months on display and a parade of questions about the cultural institution’s ethics, the exhibit has drawn to a close.
Smithsonian leaders debated whether to shut down the exhibit at the National Museum of African Art amid allegations that Cosby, 78, had sexually assaulted dozens of women. Ultimately, they decided to keep the exhibit until its scheduled closing and post a disclaimer.
The note to visitors, which says the museum does not condone Cosby’s behavior, was posted prominently at the entrance to the exhibit. It was revised after Cosby was charged last month with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home.
The museum’s director, Johnnetta Cole – a friend of Cosby and his wife, Camille – has said she would not have launched the exhibit had she known about Cosby’s alleged behavior. But she said she kept it because it’s about the art, not Cosby.