Bill Cosby accusers ‘furious’ over photo’s of him smiling away while celebrating his 84th birthday

US comedian Bill Cosby’s release from prison after his sexual assault conviction was overturned led to an outpouring of anger and shock.

His 2018 conviction for drugging and molesting ex-basketball player Andrea Constand was overturned on Wednesday. Judges said there had been a “process violation” by the prosecution, however, they did admit their ruling was unusual.

Many have expressed concern that the decision could deter women from coming forward in the future.

The decision “is not only disappointing but of concern in that it may discourage those who seek justice for sexual assault in the criminal justice system from reporting or participating in the prosecution of the assailant,” Ms Constand and her attorneys said.

Upon his release, Mr Cosby tweeted: “I have never changed my stance nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence.”

A group of eight women who have accused Bill Cosby of offences ranging from groping to rape vowed to continue their fight after he was released from prison.

The women recently spoke with NBC senior national correspondent Kate Snow on the TODAY show after Pennsylvania’s highest court vacated Cosby’s conviction last week, freeing the actor from prison after serving two years of a three- to 10-year sentence for allegedly drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand.

“I’m angry at the legal system,” Victoria Valentino said. “We put our necks on the line and then the legal system yanked the rug out from under us.”

“I’m feeling frustrated,” Marcella Tate said. “And upset because I feel like a bully has been let go.”

“I’m concerned for the victims of sexual assault, that they will have that attitude of why bother?” Barbara Bowman said. “Why bother telling my story?”