From Prison, Bill Cosby Spurs Outrage With Father's Day Tweets

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Bill Cosby spurred outrage online Sunday in a series of tweets sent from prison, including one in which he called himself by his old, pre-conviction moniker of "America's Dad."

It's the latest missive from the incarcerated 81-year-old comedian, who is serving three to 10 years at SCI Phoenix in Montgomery County after being convicted of sexual assault. In other recent statements he's had published to his social media accounts, he's cast himself as a victim of "racial hatred." Though dozens of women have accused him of sexual crimes, he says he was jailed for "trying to humanize all races."

And on Sunday: "Hey, Hey, Hey...It's America's Dad," he wrote. "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."

With his messages, he shared a clip from his younger years talking about racism in a classroom with children.

The resurfacing of "America's Dad" was not well-received.

Cosby had his spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, post the messages, which he told USA Today were aimed at incarcerated fathers who would soon be released.

Making matters more bizarre, Cosby's tweets came within hours of another major public figure and convicted felon joining Twitter: OJ Simpson.

Cosby reported to SCI Phoenix in Sept. 2018. His constantly shifting and expanding legal team has tried countless tactics to get him out of prison in recent years, most recently requesting bail in April on the basis that his judge, Steven T. O'Neill, had not yet issued an opinion backing up his sentencing. The appeal was denied.

See previous Patch coverage of the Cosby case below:

• Bill Cosby Hit With Hot Dog Bun On Rough 1st Day In Jail: Report
• Bill Cosby Sentenced To State Prison
• SCI Phoenix Locked Down After Drone Flies Over Bill Cosby: Report
• Bill Cosby Moved To General Population In Prison
• Bill Cosby Says He Was Jailed For 'Trying To Humanize All Races'