Larry Wilmore took down Bill Cosby on the second episode of "The Nightly Show," calling out fans who came to the comedian's defense amid sexual assault allegations. In a lengthy interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wilmore explained why he had no allegiance to Cosby at a time when many comics have not spoken out against him.
"He was never a hero of mine," he told THR. "I liked Cosby, but I have a different relationship with him than a lot of people because I didn't grow up on 'The Cosby Show' ... I remember in the late '70s, early '80s, my mom met Bill Cosby down in San Diego at this tennis tournament. She came back and said, 'We asked him for his autograph, and he was so mean, so nasty.' He said, 'I don't do that.' I was like, 'Man, what an asshole.' My opinion of Cosby at that point was like, 'What a jerk.' I never even watched 'The Cosby Show.' I always thought, 'That's great that that show is on,' but about him I was like, 'Whatever, Cosby.' Richard Pryor was my hero."
In recent interviews, stars have spoken about admiring Cosby's work, but when asked about the mounting sexual assault allegations against him, they deflected. "His personal life has nothing to do with me," Kevin Hart told THR. "I can't control it. I will never try. It doesn't stop me from being an admirer of his work." Chris Rock responded similarly when New York Magazine asked about the situation: "I grew up on Cosby. I love Cosby, and I just hope it’s not true."
Check out Wilmore's full interview over at THR.