Cosby Escapes Sexual Harassment Charges (Update)

Camille, why do you stay?

Bill Cosby has now joined the rogue’s gallery of celebrity men who have betrayed their marital vows in ways that brought public humiliation, shame and disgrace on their families. Last Thursday he issued a written statement admitting inappropriate behavior and expressing regret that the whole damn thing had become such a public mess. And therein lies the rub: Because if word of these affairs were limited to neighborhood or office gossip, one could see how that might mitigate the impact of the cheater’s transgression. But in these cases, the woman’s humiliation could not be more universally publicized. (Incidentally, in his statement, Cosby also seemed just a little too eager to proclaim that his humiliated wife would be standing by her man – yet again.)

Therefore, what continues to fascinate about celebrity infidelities is not the wayward behavior of men like Cosby, Clinton, Jackson (Jesse not Michael), Jordan, Beckham and others; instead, it’s the response of their wives. Because every professional woman I know – when presented with the scenario of a cheating husband – has declared that divorce would be her only option.

So, what does it say about women like Camille and Hillary who stay? What type of infidelity, or how many extra-marital affairs, would it take for them to leave their cheating husbands? And, what kind of example are they setting for young women who may well find themselves victims of similar betrayals?

Just wondering…

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