Teddy Pendergrass revealed in his book, “Truly Blessed” (which is a good read by the way) that there was an incident where Bill Cosby caused him a great deal of public shame shortly after Teddy’s paralyzing car accident.
Although it doesn’t necessarily sound like Cosby did it intentionally, that didn’t make Teddy P. any less embarrassed or angry at him about it. Here’s what he said happened…
When Teddy P. was scheduled to present Bill Cosby an award at a function in Philadelphia. Here’s what Teddy wrote about that:
“Bill came on stage, then surprised me and everyone else there by walking up to me, dropping a microphone in my lap and saying, “I’m not leaving here until you pick up that mike.” This was totally unplanned and I was taken aback. As I sat in my wheelchair, all I could do was shake my head no. I couldn’t even venture to guess why Bill was doing this. Did he think he was helping me? That putting me on the spot like this and making me struggle was somehow good for me? If Bill really knew me, he’d know how much I’d overcome just to be there. I thought Bill would get the message when I refused, so you can imagine my shock and horror when he shouted, “I’m not leaving here until you pick up that mike!” A nervous silence fell over the crowd. I was embarrassed, humiliated and furious. Didn’t he realize how devastated I’d be if I failed.
What do you think ILOSM fam’? Was Mr. Cosby trying to help Teddy P. by challenging him to not be any less of an entertainer than what he was prior to his car accident? Or was Cosby trying to embarrass him intentionally?
I personally think that Bill was sure he could get Teddy to pick up the mike. He was trying to help him. He did not want his friend in that wheelchair for life!!!
Betty I agree. Mr. Cosby’s actions didn’t seem to have bad intent to me either, although I do understand why Teddy’s thoughts about it were like that. Overall I just think it was an awkward moment and Cosby probably didn’t realize to what degree he was actually causing embarrassment for Teddy until he said it and saw Teddy’s response. That’s just my humble opinion though. Thanks for being a part of the discussion my friend.
You are welcome!
I personally think that Bill was sure he could get Teddy to pick up the mike. He was trying to help him. He did not want his friend in that wheelchair for life!!!
Betty I agree. Mr. Cosby’s actions didn’t seem to have bad intent to me either, although I do understand why Teddy’s thoughts about it were like that. Overall I just think it was an awkward moment and Cosby probably didn’t realize to what degree he was actually causing embarrassment for Teddy until he said it and saw Teddy’s response. That’s just my humble opinion though. Thanks for being a part of the discussion my friend.
You are welcome!
If he had handed him the mic I would say he was trying to help. This does not sound accidental to me at all. It sounds like he thought Teddy was faking it.
If he had handed him the mic I would say he was trying to help. This does not sound accidental to me at all. It sounds like he thought Teddy was faking it.
A total power play!! Disgusting! Sorry that happened to you, Teddy P.
A total power play!! Disgusting! Sorry that happened to you, Teddy P.
I think Bill Cosby thought he was motivating Teddy. I love Teddy and I hope he was able to forgive Bill Cosby for that faux paux. I really think he didn’t know it would have that effect on Teddy. Much love to them both.
Habbibi I agree with you, to me it didn’t sound like Cosby was trying to intentionally hurt Teddy P., but it just sounds like he was clearly uninformed. I can definitely understand why Teddy was so embarrassed and angered by it though.
I think Bill Cosby thought he was motivating Teddy. I love Teddy and I hope he was able to forgive Bill Cosby for that faux paux. I really think he didn’t know it would have that effect on Teddy. Much love to them both.
Habbibi I agree with you, to me it didn’t sound like Cosby was trying to intentionally hurt Teddy P., but it just sounds like he was clearly uninformed. I can definitely understand why Teddy was so embarrassed and angered by it though.
Its ironic how this story came into play. The world was more interested about who was in the vehicle with Teddy Pendergrass than what Bill Cosby said. Since it was blasted all over the televisions, newspapers and magazines when it happened.
CC that’s an interesting point. I was always amazed by how quick folks were to spew all of that negative judgement toward Teddy P. Especially since he repeatedly said he did not know the lady was transgender; and especially since the lady finally spoke out last year to prove that Teddy P. really didn’t know her, nor that she was transgender and that absolutely nothing happened between them on that night. We have video of her saying that here on the site also. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us on this one.
Its ironic how this story came into play. The world was more interested about who was in the vehicle with Teddy Pendergrass than what Bill Cosby said. Since it was blasted all over the televisions, newspapers and magazines when it happened.
CC that’s an interesting point. I was always amazed by how quick folks were to spew all of that negative judgement toward Teddy P. Especially since he repeatedly said he did not know the lady was transgender; and especially since the lady finally spoke out last year to prove that Teddy P. really didn’t know her, nor that she was transgender and that absolutely nothing happened between them on that night. We have video of her saying that here on the site also. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us on this one.