A new mugshot of Bill Cosby taken by the the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections September has made its way across social media and people aren't happy.
User have expressed shock over the disgraced The Cosby Show actor's ragged appearance as he serves his prison sentence for what could be the rest of his life.
The photograph shows a grey-haired, dishevelled Cosby trying to smile as a face mask hangs off his face. It's a stark contrast to the sweater-wearing sitcom star during the height of his fame when he was affectionately known as 'America's Dad'.
The 83-year-old was sentenced to three to 10 years behind bars after being convicted in 2018. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed this year to review two key issues in the case and an appeal is scheduled to be heard December 1.
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As with every Bill Cosby update, debate has erupted across social media, with some dedicated fans said they 'felt sorry' for the famous prisoner. He's been accused by sixty women of rape, drug facilitated sexual assault, sexual battery, or other sexual misconduct.
One Twitter user wrote about her changing perception of Cosby since his sentence, saying: "He used to be a hero of mine. It really broke my heart when it became clear to me that he was actually guilty. I wish in the political realm more people would be willing to turn away from their heroes when it's abundantly clear they're in the wrong."
Another added: "The reason Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby are each old while they're in prison is b/c it took decades for their victims to get justice. If your sympathy lies w/ rapists instead of survivors, ask yourself why."
Meanwhile, a Cosby sympathiser tweeted: "This is sad and this shouldn't have been posted. Feel bad for him."
It comes following news from Cosby's publicist and crisis manager Andrew Wyatt, who told Deadline recently that his team would be attempting to secure an early release for the comedian amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying that being around other prisoners put him at risk of contracting the deadly virus.
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"Nothing has been filed, but we're exploring all legal actions," he said at the time.
"Mr. Cosby's lawyers are now considering filing a motion asking the court to release Mr. Cosby from prison and place him under house arrest for the duration of his sentence," Wyatt added. "Specifically, the lawyers are focusing on whether states are granting early release to elderly inmates from prisons due to the Coronavirus - which could be a valid legal argument for Mr. Cosby."
"For the record, Mr. Cosby has not been tested for the virus - but is feeling fine - other than being blind and his blood pressure spiking at times," Wyatt added.
Featured Image Credit: NBC