Judge Steven O’Neill announced Saturday morning (June 17) a mistrial in the days-long sexual assault trial of Bill Cosby after jurors failed to reach a verdict.
“After 52 hours of deliberation–probably one of the most courageous acts I’ve ever seen — I’m compelled to grant a mistrial,” Judge O’Neill said of his decision.
The announcement sparked waves of reaction as many were shocked that Cosby was not found guilty, including a number of his accusers.
Gloria Allred, who represents many of the accusers, said, “We can never overestimate the blinding power of celebrity. But justice will come.”
Allred’s daughter, Lisa Bloom, a lawyer herself who has filed complaints against Cosby, tweeted, “For Cosby, mistrial. For his 60 accusers, no justice. #RapeCulture”
“Bill Cosby has already been exposed as a predator who hid behind his jovial mask for more than 50 years and no jury verdict will ever change that,” said accuser Cindra Ladd. “Those of us who came forward to speak our collective truth about what he did to us owe a debt of gratitude to Andrea Constand for her leadership and courage in demanding justice. Despite the disappointing outcome of this case, I take comfort knowing that Bill Cosby’s life is now, and forever will be, a living hell.”
Cosby’s wife, Camille Cosby, had a different perspective. “That is the manifestation of justice, based on facts, not lies,” she said.
Stars also took to social media to voice their opinions on their controversial decision.
Bill Cosby’s trial is about much more than Bill Cosby. When women see justice served, their own fear & trauma are eased. When they don’t…
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) June 17, 2017
Survivors of sexual assault have to watch every day as the legal system calls them liars and denies their truth. It is an unimaginable grind
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) June 17, 2017
For Cosby, mistrial.
For his 60 accusers, no justice.#RapeCulture— Lisa Bloom (@LisaBloom) June 17, 2017
This article originally appeared in THR.com.