Lee Daniels on Bill Cosby Sex Abuse Allegations: I Pray for Him
Bill Cosby assault allegations have come from close to 30 women who have who claimed wrongdoing at the hands of the comedian for decades and now cinematographer Lee Daniels is admitting that the ordeal has been very hard on him.
While he has not been charged, over two dozen women have accused the 77-year-old comedian of drugging them, sexual assault, or both. Cosby became popular due to the 1980s and 1990s family sitcom "The Cosby Show," decades worth of stand up comedy routines and community service.
The recent accusations brought against the comedian may have mired Cosby's image for some, but the comedian is still pressing forth with his comedy tour across North America.
Daniels, the writer, director and producer who brought films such as "The Butler" to life and created the hit FOX series "Empire," spoke to CNN about the possibility of Cosby being guilty.
"It is very, very hard, and what bothers me most is if there is an iota of truth to this ... the one person of color that means the most to me is pulled down. If he is guilty, it says that we are human, which is what I like to examine with every character that I breathe life to," Daniels told CNN. "We are not black, it is not white -- it's grey. We are all complicated, and we all like to point fingers and drag people down and drag people through the mud when stuff ain't right."
He went on to speak about praying for the comedian.
"What's fascinating is it's not going to change. I pray for him. I'm sad," Daniels said. "I am wrecked by it, I am gutted by it. He's a man. And the victims, you know?"
Ahead of his Jan 30. tour date in Sandusky, Ohio, Cosby wrote a letter to his supporters in the community who purchased tickets in order to watch him perform speaking about God blessing him with the gift of comedy.
"Dear Fans: GOD has Blessed me with a wonderful gift to share with all of my fans," Cosby wrote in a message posted in the Sandusky Register. "s. For 53 years I have continued to master this gift, which heals the soul and warms hearts, Laughter!"