1 of 3 | Model Beverly Johnson attends the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala at Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California on January 3, 2015. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI |
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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- High-profile Cosby accuser Beverly Johnson says the accusations against him are "a lightning rod" igniting a conversation on the greater issue of violence.
While being honored Tuesday night by Linda's Voice -- a charity working to aid female victims of abuse of all kinds -- Fox News reports Johnson said the "Cosby situation is a lightning rod for this conversation we are having...It is a lightning rod so that Linda's Voice...can help so many women find their voice."
Last year, Johnson wrote of her close-call experience with Cosby in Vanity Fair, recalling the realization she had been drugged after drinking a cappuccino offered by the actor. The Vogue cover model said she and Cosby had been meeting regularly to discuss a potential role on The Cosby Show.
"For a long time I thought it was something that only happened to me, and that I was somehow responsible. So I kept my secret to myself, believing this truth needed to remain in the darkness," Johnson wrote at the time of the 2014 article.
"Now that other women have come forward with their nightmare stories, I join them."
At this week's ceremony, the ex-super model expressed her excitement over finally aiding a national conversation about abuse. "It's happening," she said, "meaning that we are now talking about rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and that situation with him was just a lightning rod for this much needed conversation."
"This is something very close to my heart -- ending domestic violence and violence against women," she continued. "I feel honored that they decided to honor me and if I can lend my voice to raise awareness then I have done a good job."
Bill Cosby has been accused by roughly 50 women who claim the comedian drugged and/or sexually assaulted them. In 2005, Cosby admitted in a deposition that he did indeed administer Quaaludes to women he intended to have sex with but said the relations were consensual.
The defamed comedian will report for another deposition in early October.
