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Here’s Why Disney Is Removing This Statue From a Theme Park

2 minute read

Disney is removing a statue of Bill Cosby from a theme park in Florida after the Associated Press forced the release of a 2005 testimony from the embattled comedian in which he admits to obtaining a drug to give to women with the intent of having sex with them.

The bronze statue has been on display in Disney’s Academy of Televisions Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza in its Hollywood Studio theme park in Florida. On Tuesday night Disney said it planned to remove the statue after the park closes.

Dozens of women have accused Cosby of sexual assault in recent months. In the past year, an online petition was started to remove Cosby’s bust from the theme park, garnering nearly 300 signatures.

“In light of recent circumstances it is prudent that the bust of actor Bill Cosby be removed from Disney’s Florida theme park,” the Change.org petition reads. “The Disney name is synonymous with family-friendly entertainment and with Mr. Cosby in the media daily facing accusations of sexual assault with the number of victims ever-climbing, it is inappropriate for Disney Parks to have a replica of Mr. Cosby’s likeness on display.”

The 77-year-old comedian and actor has seen his shows and live appearances on networks — and services such as Netflix — postponed or canceled due to the allegations.

Bill Cosby bust
A bust of actor and comedian Bill Cosby at Hollywood Studios theme park in Orlando, Fla.Tony Winton—AP

Bill Cosby’s Public Life in Photos

The Ed Sullivan Show
Bill Cosby performs on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. CBS/Getty Images
Bill Cosby
A portrait of Bill Cosby taken in 1965.Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Cosby
Bill Cosby poses with his Emmy for his role in I Spy at the Primetime Emmy Awards in New York City in 1966. AP
Comedian Bill Cosby holding cigar
A portrait of Bill Cosby taken in 1969.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
The Second Bill Cosby Special
Bill Cosby performs on The Second Bill Cosby Special in 1969.Fred Sabine—NBC/Getty Images
Ron Galella Archive - File Photos
Bill Cosby attends the "Concert at Town Hall" at Town Hall in New York City in 1971.Ron Galella—WireImage/Getty Images
The Bill Cosby Show
Bill Cosby as Chet Kincaid on The Bill Cosby Show.NBC/Getty Images
The Cosby Show
Bill Cosby as Dr. Heathcliff 'Cliff' Huxtable in The Cosby Show.Frank Carroll—NBC/Getty Images
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Bill Cosby is interviewed by Jay Leno on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno in 1992.Wendy Perl—NBC/Getty Images
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby speaks to an audience on the campus of the University of the District of Columbia in 2006, in Washington D.C.LAWRENCE JACKSON—AP
The 2011 Jackie Robinson Foundation Awards Gala - Dinner
Host Bill Cosby speaks onstage at the 2011 Jackie Robinson Foundation awards gala atThe Waldorf Astoria in 2011 in New York City. Stephen Lovekin—Getty Images
2011 Temple University Commencement
Bill Cosby attends the 2011 Temple University Commencement at the Liacouras Center in 2011 in Philadelphia, Pa.Gilbert Carrasquillo—Getty Images
2014 American Comedy Awards - Press Room
Bill Cosby attends the 2014 American Comedy Awards at Hammerstein Ballroom on April 26, 2014 in New York City. Andrew Toth—FilmMagic/Getty Images

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