'I am sorry': Phylicia Rashad apologizes to Howard students after tweet supporting Cosby

WASHINGTON (7NEWS) — Phylicia Rashad, Howard University's new dean of the College of Fine Arts, issued an apology following her controversial tweet supporting Bill Cosby's release from prison.

In a letter addressed to students and parents, Rashad acknowledged she caused pain "both broadly and inside the Howard community."

My remarks were in no way directed towards survivors of sexual assault. I vehemently oppose sexual violence, find no excuse for such behavior, and I know that Howard University has a zero-tolerance policy toward interpersonal violence.

Howard University distanced itself from Rashad's stance on Cosby's release hours after she tweeted her support for him.

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Her initial tweet lacked sensitivity towards survivors of sexual assault.

Although Rashad's controversial tweet has been deleted, her follow-up tweet expressing support for sexual assault survivors is still on her page.

Her initial tweet stated,"FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted- a miscarriage of justice is corrected!" Her reaction was in reference to her longtime on-screen husband Bill Cosby's release from prison after his conviction was overturned.

ALSO READ | Bill Cosby released from prison after sex assault conviction overturned by court

Read Rashad's full statement below.