LOS ANGELES (AP) – Black civil rights leaders on Thursday called on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to remove Bill Cosby’s star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, saying it could become a “walk of shame” if his name remains on the storied sidewalk.
Many of the activists largely remained neutral in the controversy until Monday’s revelation of court documents obtained by The Associated Press from a 2005 deposition, where Cosby admitted under oath to obtaining quaaludes with the intent of giving them to women with whom he wanted to have sex.
Cosby settled a sexual-abuse lawsuit brought by a former Temple University employee for undisclosed terms in 2006.
“Cosby to black America is an icon, but once an icon figure betrays the trust of the community, we have to withdraw our support and condemn their actions,” said Najee Ali, who was among those calling for the resignation. “If they don’t remove that star, we can call it the walk of shame.”
Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable president Earl Ofari Hutchinson echoed his sentiment.