Bill Cosby says he's still "America's Dad" in cringeworthy Father's Day tweet
From behind bars, Bill Cosby decided to spread an unexpected Father's Day message on his social media accounts for his followers late Sunday night. The post comes as Cosby, 81, is serving a multi-year prison sentence for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.
Once considered "America's Dad" to TV audiences, "The Cosby Show" star resurfaced in an Instagram post using the unofficial title. Despite being convicted and allegations from dozens of women who have accused him of sexual assault, the comedian still apparently sees himself as the standard of fatherhood.
"Hey, Hey, Hey...It's America's Dad...I know it's late, but to all of the Dads... It's an honor to be called a Father, so let's make today a renewed oath to fulfilling our purpose — strengthening our families and communities," the post said.
The post contained several hashtags, including ones that say "#FarFromFinished" and #AmericasFavoriteDad." It also had a shortened video of him in a classroom talking about slavery and family.
His spokesperson Andrew Wyatt told CBS News in a statement that Cosby requested the message to be sent out on his social media accounts in support of a group called Man Up.
"Mr. Cosby's spoke to these men who have been incarcerated for many years, but are up for parole soon...to...take the word "disadvantage" and remove the "dis," and start focusing on the advantage. That advantage is to be better father's, to be productive citizens and to remember Never Again, which means, Never Again should you enter this gates to this plantation, because this is the new form of slavery."
CBS News reached out to Man Up, but did not immediately hear back.
While several people appeared to welcome Cosby's message, many on Twitter blasted the post as out of touch.
Currently, Cosby is appealing his conviction. He began serving a three- to 10-year prison term in September at a state prison near Philadelphia.
