A&E to air ‘Cosby: The Women Speak’ special Thursday

The one-hour special, called “Cosby: The Women Speak”, features many of the same women who spoke with New York, but includes two people who have not previously given interviews.

Bill Cosby cannot seem to rid himself of those resurfaced sexual assault allegations, as it’s now being reported that A&E will air a special that stars a number of women who have accused the former Cosby Show star of drugging and sexually assaulting them some years ago. But that argument feels weakened by the weight of actually seeing so many women explain not only how they were victimized but why they didn’t come forward at the time.

After the alleged incident occurred, Thomas said she made excuses for what happened, and finally came forward this year because of the support she received from her parents. New allegations leveled against the performer are bringing even more misconduct to the forefront.

The network said it is important to have the women tell their stories collectively. There will be more than twelve women, both new and past accusers, to appear including actress Louisa Moritz, publicist Joan Tarshis and model Beverly Johnson.

In a preview on Thursday’s Good Morning America, a chorus of women from all walks of life – one a comedy writer, another a flight attendant – detail how they met the comedian. There will also be a journey into why the accusers chose to step forward and what their next step is on their new journeys. Occasionally a voiceover narration gives the viewer the context for what Cosby’s career was like in the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, 90s, and into the 21st century – decades in which he continued his predatory advances, according to these women.

“Cosby: The Women Speak” is the first of four specials Lincoln Square is producing for A&E, and it’s certainly an attention-grabbing topic.

Cosby’s defenders (seemingly a dwindling contingent) have often suggested that this is a money grab, directed at one of the world’s wealthiest entertainers.