Accusations cause schools to cut ties
Bill Cosby’s record of big donations to colleges and other institutions has been a key part of his rosy public image. But even his generosity can’t stand apart from the rising tide of allegations made by women accusing him of sexual assault.
A North Carolina school, High Point University, removed the 77-year-old entertainer from its National Board of Advisors, a panel that includes retired Gen. Colin Powell. The university referred to Cosby as “one of the most influential performers of our time” when it announced his appointment last July.
The Berklee College of Music said in a statement Monday that it is “no longer awarding an online scholarship in Mr. Cosby’s name. The college has no further comment at this time.”
More telling would be a decision by an institution to publicly renounce any of the tens of millions of dollars that he and his wife, Camille, have given over the years, or rejection of a new donation. Neither has occurred.
“I don’t want to belittle the implications of the accusations, but nothing has been proven and he has not been charged,” said Michael Chatman, a philanthropy expert and founder of a speakers’ bureau. Recipients of Cosby largesse are likely to adopt a wait-and-see attitude because of that, he said.
There was no response from Cosby’s publicist to a request for comment.
Cosby’s legacy of giving is decades-old and extensive, topped by a $20 million gift to Spelman College in 1988 and including, among many other donations, $3 million to the Morehouse School of Medicine and $1 million in 2004 to the U.S. National Slavery Museum in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
According to Internal Revenue Service filings, more than $800,000 in scholarship grants were given through the William and Camille Cosby Foundation from July 2000 to June 2013.
‘Transformers’ star in treatment
Actor Shia LaBeouf is complying with treatment ordered as part of a plea deal stemming from a bizarre episode during the Broadway show “Cabaret.”
The 28-year-old “Transformers” star appeared in a Manhattan court Tuesday to show proof that he’s been at the Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles.
Attorney G. Robert Gage said his client has done a “terrific job” complying.
LaBeouf is due back in court March 20.
While attending the June 24 performance, LaBeouf smoked cigarettes, yelled at the actors, swore at security guards and hollered as he was escorted out.
If he stays in treatment for at least three months and out of trouble for six months, he’ll be allowed to withdraw the guilty plea and the case will be dismissed.
The birthday bunch
Singer Tina Turner is 75. Bassist John McVie (Fleetwood Mac) is 69. Actor Scott Adsit (“30 Rock”) is 49. Actor Peter Facinelli is 41. Singer Natasha Bedingfield is 33.