The latest episode of Showtime’s “We Need to Talk About Cosby” ends with how sexual assault allegations against the comedian have escalated. Director W. Kamau Bell delves into Cosby’s life through conversations with fellow comedians, journalists and survivors. Beverly Johnson, a successful model and businesswoman, was one of many women who recounted how Cosby allegedly drugged her. So if you’re wondering how Beverly handled it all, we’ve got you covered.
Who is Beverly Johnson?
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Beverly tried her hand at modeling in college and has never looked back. She appeared on several magazine covers, including becoming the first black model for the American edition of Vogue in 1974. Apart from modeling, Beverly has also acted in several films in television shows. So, in the mid-1980s, when she got a call that Bill Cosby wanted her to audition for a small role on “The Cosby Show,” she was beyond excited. Because, like many others, she grew up watching Cosby.
First, Beverly was invited to a taping of the show to get a feel for how things worked. At the time, she met Cosby in her office and, according to her, he seemed genuinely interested in her life and career. Later, Cosby invited Beverly to his house to read the role. He even asked to bring his daughter. Beverly later said, “Looking back, that first invitation from Cosby to his home seems like part of a perfectly laid out plan, a way to make me feel safe with him at all times. It went like clockwork.”
Then Cosby invited Beverly a second time a few days later to read the role again. After dinner, she claimed they went to Cosby’s living room, where he offered her a cappuccino from his espresso machine. According to Beverly, he insisted she try despite her reluctance. Recalling the alleged incident, she said: “I knew from the second sip of the drink Cosby gave me that I had been drugged – and drugged well.”
Beverly claimed that she quickly began to feel dizzy and disoriented when Cosby asked her to come see him. While he had his arms around her waist, she tried to stabilize his balance by placing a hand on his shoulder. But after that, Beverly didn’t remember much. She remembered him being angry at what she said, dragging her out of his house and putting her in a cab. Beverly said she woke up not remembering going into her apartment.
Where is Beverly Johnson now?
At first, Beverly wondered if she had done anything to encourage Cosby’s actions. At the time, she decided not to tell people what happened because she had way too much at stake. Beverly said: “I had a career that would undoubtedly take a huge blow if I went public with my story, and I certainly couldn’t afford it after my expensive divorce and ongoing legal costs.” But years later, when many other people shared their stories, she decided to do the same.
In the end, Beverly said her daughter was instrumental in making her stand, adding: “She said I do the right thing for women because you see things differently when you have a child – because if anything, you have to act.” While Cosby filed a libel suit against Beverly in December 2015, he dropped it a few months later. Today, Beverly is still active on the catwalks in addition to leading her luxury lifestyle brand. Beverly got engaged to Brian Maillian in 2020 and they live in Palm Springs, California.
Read more: Where is Andrea Constand now?
