Topless Protester at Cosby Trial Is Ex-‘Cosby Show’ Actress

A shirtless protester was charged with disorderly conduct Monday morning after she jumped in front of Bill Cosby on the first day of the comedian’s sexual-assault retrial near Philadelphia, BuzzFeed News reported. Nicolle Rochelle, an actress who appeared on The Cosby Show in the 1990s, was quickly surrounded by police, thrown into bushes, and arrested after she ran in front of Cosby and his lawyers while chanting “women’s lives matter.” Before her arrest, Rochelle posted a photo outside of a New York City house where the comedian’s show was filmed, sporting a hoodie from the comedian’s “Hello Friend” foundation with the word “RAPIST” added to the bottom. Rochelle wrote: “In honor of the first day of the Bill Cosby retrial, I went by the address where they filmed The Cosby Show exterior in New York City...LET’S HOPE JUSTICE WILL FINALLY BE SERVED!” Cosby, who lawyers last year said was blind, appeared to be squinting at the woman during the ruckus and sported a smirk on his face. International women’s rights group FEMEN said the woman, who had the names of Cosby’s accusers painted on her body, belonged to their group, which is known for topless protests. Opening arguments for Cosby’s case will begin today after the first one ended in a mistrial last year. Andrea Constand alleged the comedian drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2004, and six women will testify against Cosby, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women over several decades.