Bill Cosby, Free but Not Exonerated, Faces an Uncertain Future

Though his conviction was overturned, and his team is discussing future work, experts say it’s not likely the ruling will change the public perception of the former star.

Since Bill Cosby left prison this week after three years of incarceration, flashing a defiant V-sign as he returned a free man to his home in the suburbs of Philadelphia, the talk of his inner circle has been celebratory, as those close to him described his first meal of fish and pizza and his determination to rehabilitate his legacy. His spokesman, Andrew Wyatt, described the court ruling that freed him as a victory for Black America and, somewhat incongruously, for women, and ticked off the projects with which Mr. Cosby would now be involved. Mr. Wyatt said Mr. Cosby plans to write a book in collaboration with him, and that Mr. Cosby is working with a production company on a five-part documentary about his life and legacy. He said Mr. Cosby, 83, also intends to return to the stage at some point and that he had been fielding calls from promoters.