University Case Study: Ethics, Power, and Bill Cosby's Actions

This case study examines the Bill Cosby case, focusing on the role of power in his alleged sexual misconduct and the ethical strategies employed by his legal team. It explores the inconsistency between Cosby's public image as a moral leader and his alleged predatory behavior, drawing parallels to other cases where leaders' public and private lives starkly contrast. The analysis evaluates the ethics of Cosby's legal defense, particularly the strategy of attacking accusers, and discusses the implications of supporting entertainers and athletes with questionable personal conduct. The assignment fulfills the brief by analyzing the case study of Bill Cosby and comparing it to other public figures. The study addresses the allegations, facts, and outcomes of the cases, offering insights into the complexities of leadership ethics and the impact of power and public perception.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY
CASE STUDY OF BILL COSBY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CASE STUDY OF BILL COSBY
1. What role did power play in Cosby’s sexual misbehavior?
Bill Cosby is one of the most popular well-loved television artist who rose to
fame in the 1960s with popular sitcom the Cosby Show. Cosby was an active
spokesperson of the black community and wielded certain amount power that came with
his connections and influence (Terán et al, 2018). The female victims have stated that
they felt sacred and could not approach the police to state their complaint for the fear that
they would be harassed. Power from the influence and money helped Cosby to hide his
crimes and then later employ the best help to protect himself.
2. How do you account for the great inconsistency between Cosby’s public moralizing and
his alleged predatory sexual behavior?
Imwinkelried (2019) is of the opinion that there is often two kinds of behaviour
that exists within individuals. One that is the public image that Cosby has formed through
the morality act where he admonished single black mothers for using racism as a shield
and not being able to parent their children. The persona of an iconic TV character and
comedian who was a national father figure was a successful façade which helped to mask
his predatory behaviour. The term predator is used to state any crime that is done without
the awareness of the abused individual. This inconsistency was useful for Cosby in hiding
his crimes.
3. Can you think of other cases where the public image and private behavior of leaders are
in stark contrast?

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There is certainly cases where the public image and the personal behaviour are
completely different. In the case of prior President Bill Clinton who one of the most
influential person in the world was caught indulging in unethical behaviour (Dahl, 2016).
Sean Penn is another example who is a well-known actor and philanthropist who faced
charges of domestic violence. The truth is that people are capable of both kinds of
behaviour, exhibiting one does not eliminate the fact that the person is able to display that
character privately.
4. Evaluate the ethics of Cosby’s legal strategy. Is it ethical to attack the accuser?
It is disputed if the moral principles should be taken into consideration especially
if the person is guilty of the crime. The legal strategy adopted by the lawyers of Cosby is
to plead not guilty and even though he has been accused by multiple woman he is being
tried for just one by the statutes of limitation rules. The legal strategy is also using
Cosby’s credibility as a leverage. An accused is not guilty until proven so by the court of
law which ethically should mean that accusing them for it is unethical. If seen from this
aspect it is unethical to accuse him of the crime (Landsbaum, 2020).
5. Do you refuse to support some entertainers and professional athletes because of their
unethical or criminal personal behavior? How do you make this determination?
I refuse to support entertainers and professional athletes based on their unethical or
criminal behavior. While it is natural for the entertainers and professional athletes to be
idolized based on their talent and outside persona. It under no circumstances explains or
validates anyone for their criminal behaviour.

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The nature of the crime should be considered while determining if we should continue to
support our idols. Some instances where celebrities lash out on the journalist for offensive
question can be considered. However, if they are involved in severe criminal offence, I do
not think it should be supported as supporting such people will be supporting the crime. We
as audience should require credibility from these influencers.

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Reference
Dahl, D. (2016). Imagining the Monica Lewinsky Scandal on Social Media. In Scandal in a
Digital Age (pp. 69-74). Palgrave Macmillan, New York.
Imwinkelried, E. J. (2019). The Evidentiary Issue Crystalized by the Cosby and Weinstein
Scandals: The Propriety of Admitting Testimony about an Accused's Uncharged
Misconduct under the Doctrine of Objective Chances to Prove Identity. Sw. L. Rev., 48,
1.
Landsbaum, C. (2020). 4 Legal Experts Explain Bill Cosby’s Defense Strategy. Retrieved 18
February 2020, from https://www.thecut.com/2017/06/4-legal-experts-explain-bill-
cosbys-defense-strategy.html
Terán, L., & Emmers-Sommer, T. M. (2018). “The Destruction of a Legacy”: Agenda Setting
and the Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Allegations. Sexuality & Culture, 22(1), 63-89.