Smithsonian to acknowledge Cosby allegations at new museum

Construction continues on The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, scheduled to open in 2016. The Smithsonian now plans to acknowledge the sexual-assault allegations against Bill Cosby at its new African-American history museum on the National Mall, which will include two items related to Cosby’s career in television and standup comedy.

The Smithsonian now plans to acknowledge the sexual-assault allegations against Bill Cosby at its new African-American history museum on the National Mall, which will display two items related to Cosby's career in television and standup comedy.
March 31, 2016

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opens Sept. 24, will include the cover of a Cosby comedy album and a comic book from his pioneering TV drama "I Spy" as part of its exhibit on black entertainers and artists. Initially, the museum planned to include historical facts about the items without mentioning the allegations, drawing criticism from some Cosby accusers.

The museum's founding director, Lonnie Bunch, said in a statement Thursday that the display would address Cosby's alleged behavior, although he did not specify exactly how. "Like all of history, our interpretation of Bill Cosby is a work in progress, something that will continue to evolve as new evidence and insights come to the fore," Bunch said. "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."

Through a spokeswoman, Bunch declined to comment further. Dozens of women have accused Cosby, 78, of sexual abuse. Cosby was charged last year with drugging and sexually assaulting a former Temple University worker at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004, a case that is on hold amid an appeal. He also faces several civil lawsuits.

The Smithsonian Institution also has been criticized for its recent exhibit of Cosby's personal art collection at a different museum. The exhibit was funded almost exclusively by Cosby and his wife, Camille, in the form of a $716,000 gift, which Smithsonian officials did not disclose until they were specifically asked about it by The Associated Press. The museum's director, who is close with the Cosbys, said last year that she would not have moved forward with the exhibit had she known about the allegations.
"This is not an exhibition that 'honors or celebrates' Bill Cosby but one that acknowledges his role, among many others, in American entertainment," Bunch said in his statement. "Some people feel that the Smithsonian should eliminate all mention of Bill Cosby as a result of recent revelations. We understand but respectfully disagree."

Ugh.. I wasn't too sure about this.
Just read another article on it.

I think it is wrong for The Smithsonian to do this.

Even if he was found guilty on all counts on all cases (which of course is in possible), I think it would still be wrong.

Either acknowledge his contribution or don't acknowledge him at all.

What will the future be? List everyone's crimes & allegations with their exhibit? Insanity! How about we list all their bastard children & alleged affairs too
* Sarcasm *

And I really do NOT like the idea that they gave into some kind of pressure. I am feed up with society continuously giving in to any small fraction that complains about something or someone.

IMO - The Smithsonian just kissed as@.

I'm with Sassyeuro on this.

I don't support conviction by media rumor and accusations for anyone.