Smithsonian Responds After Huge Uproar Over Cosby Inclusion in Museum

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is defending itself after an uproar over the inclusion of accused rapist Bill Cosby in its collection, arguing that he still had a place in the museum, and it was only a small one.

The museum said in a statement it would have 11 inaugural exhibitions featuring 3,000 objects covering a wide range of subjects, and Cosby played a small role in just one of the exhibits -- the "Taking the Stage" exhibition.

"There is not a Bill Cosby exhibition," the statement reads. "Within the 'Taking the Stage' exhibition, dedicated to theater, film, TV and entertainment, there are 150 objects and two are related to Bill Cosby's career in TV and comedy -- one comic book from 'I Spy' in the TV Pioneers case along with other materials from various TV shows, and the cover of one album, 'I Started Out as a Child' (1964) in the comedians case which features six African American comedians: Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, Godfrey Cambridge and Bill Cosby."

The statement added: "The museum explores a diverse and complex history that reflects how all Americans are shaped by the African American experience."

Cosby represents a tricky subject for the museum. There is no doubt the comedian played a huge role in African-American popular culture for decades both as a comedian and a television star, but with dozens of women accusing him of raping them throughout his career, the museum undoubtedly feels it must straddle the thin line between recognizing his impact and honoring him.

However, many are criticizing the fact that the museum won't mention the accusations rather than his inclusion itself.

Last year, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art had to post a sign telling visitors that Bill Cosby's art collection featured inside was about the artists, and not a tribute to Cosby.