Public divided over Smithsonian display of Bill Cosby’s art

The public has begun to weigh in on the Smithsonian’s exhibition featuring Bill Cosby’s art collection.

Some are calling for the exhibit to be dismantled, citing rape allegations against Cosby. Meanwhile, visitors at the museum have left mostly positive messages in a comment book.

The Smithsonian released 35 email messages to The Associated Press. Of those, at least 30 call for the National Museum of African Art to take down its “Conversations” exhibition featuring Cosby’s art.

The protests come in the wake of revelations Cosby admitted under oath that he obtained drugs to give to women with whom he wanted to have sex. A few threaten to boycott the museum complex, cancel memberships or withhold future donations.

In a comment book at the exhibit, several visitors thank the Smithsonian for keeping the display on its artistic merits.