Bill Cosby has earned backlash after a Father’s Day message referring to himself as “America’s dad” was shared on his social media channels.
The comedian, who is currently serving a prison sentence for aggravated indecent assault, shared the message on Saturday on Twitter and Instagram.
“Hey, Hey, Hey…It’s America’s Dad…” the message begins, in reference to Cosby’s former nickname.
“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.”
On both platforms, the message is accompanied by a video of Cosby in the 1968 CBS documentary Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed.
“And that’s some awful history to teach. Now, if you want to look history right straight in the eye, you’re going to get a black eye.”
He used several hashtags on Twitter and on Instagram, including #RenewedOathToOurCommunity, #AmericasFavoriteDad, and #FarFromFinished.
Cosby’s decision to call himself “America’s dad” was met with outraged reactions on social media.
“Just stop. This is awful,” one person wrote, while many others expressed their disagreement in gifs.
Cosby was sentenced in September last year to three to 10 years behind bars.
He was found guilty in April that year of three counts of aggravated indecent assault in a landmark trial.
