Bill Cosby went on trial on Monday, June 5, over charges of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his home in 2004. The trial began with opening arguments by the defence attorneys and explosive claims by the first witness, Kelly Johnson.
Although more than 50 women claimed that the legendary comedian drugged and sexually abused them, only the former basketball player Andrea Constand could file a case against him due to the statutes of limitations in such cases.
The former employee of Temple University filed a lawsuit against the Little Bill actor in 2005 claiming that he sexually assaulted her. The document was unsealed and released to the public by court in 2015. Following which, many women came forward with accusation against the The Cosby Show star.
Also read: Bill Cosby Unscathed; No Molestation Charges, Daughter Evin Defends 'The Cosby Show' Star
The stand-up comedian came to the Montgomery County court with actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, who portrayed his daughter in the popular American sit-com of 1980s. "I want to be the person that I would like to have if the tables were turned," she said. "Right now it's the jury's job and the jury's decision to determine guilt or innocence. It's not mine or anyone else's," she told the reporters (via The Hollywood Reporter).
First day of the sexual assault trial began with an opening argument by Assistant District Attorney Kristen Feden. "This is a case about a man - this man - who used his power and his fame and his previously practised method of placing a young, trusting woman in an incapacitated state so he could sexually pleasure himself, so she couldn't say no," he said (via BBC).
The lawyer of Cosby, Brian McMonagle, immediately countered the argument and told the jury members that the 79-year-old I Spy actor is a victim of false accusations. "Today I get a chance, with your help, to right a wrong. I get a chance, with your help, to protect a man from the destruction of the rest of his life," he said.
The attorney argued that Constand's alleged sexual encounter with the legendary comedian was part of their romantic relationship. According to him, the accuser changed her story several times and presented evidence of their telephonic conversations after the incident.
While the former basketball player is expected to testify in court this week and share her story with the public, first witness Kelly Johnson tearfully testified against Cosby on Monday. The former employee of William Morris Agency was allegedly drugged and abused by the actor at the Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, in 1996.
"My dress was pulled up from the bottom, and it was pulled down from the top. My breasts were out. I felt naked," Johnson told jurors as she struggled to hold back her tears.
