Bill Cosby's petition to be released from a 10-year prison sentence for aggravated indecent assault was denied by the Pennsylvania Parole Board on Thursday. The parole board cited the disgraced comedian's refusal to participate in a therapy program for sex offenders as a reason for its decision.
The parole board's decision was posted on Cosby's Instagram page, where his spokesman claimed the decision was not a surprise to Cosby and his legal team.
"The news that actor and comedian Bill Cosby's parole has been 'denied' by the Pennsylvania State Parole Board is not a surprise to Mr. Cosby, his family, his friends and/or his legal team," the statement read. "It was brought to our attention by Mr. Cosby that over the past months, members of the PA State Parole Board had met with him and empathically stated, 'if he did not participate in SVP [Sexually Violent Predator] courses that his parole would be denied.'"
The 83-year-old was set to be eligible for parole on September 25, after completing the three-year minimum of his sentence. In addition to completing sexually violent predator therapy, Cosby must also maintain a clear conduct record and create a "parole release plan."
In his statement, Cosby maintained his innocence and remained hopeful that his conviction will be vacated or he'll receive a new trial.
"Mr. Cosby has vehemently proclaimed his innocence and continues to deny all allegations made against him, as being false, without the sheer evidence of any proof," the statement added. "Today, Mr. Cosby continues to remain hopeful that the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court will issue an opinion to vacate his conviction or warrant him a new trial."
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has not yet ruled on Bill Cosby's appeal since his court hearing in December 2020.
