Topless Celebrity Protests at Day 1 of Cosby Retrial

The Bill Cosby criminal retrial is underway, and while what's happening inside the courtroom has been making headlines, outside the courtroom on the first day of trial, a former Cosby Show actress stole the show.

Actress and singer Nicolle Rochelle pulled off a rather provocative stunt during the demonstration happening outside the Pennsylvania courthouse where Cosby's trial was set to begin. Rochelle didn't just jump the barricade and rush Cosby with a fist in the air, as he was entering the courthouse, she did so while topless. Emblazoned on her body were the words "Women's Lives Matter," as well as "rapist" and the names of many of Cosby's accusers. Luckily for the disgraced comedian, sheriff's stopped Rochelle within feet of her reaching Cosby.

Rochelle Rochelle!

Although Rochelle was arrested and charged, the actress fortunately does not seem to be facing very serious charges. She was released soon after her arrest, and is likely looking at a fine, at worst, that is if the prosecutor even follows through on the charges for disorderly conduct.

While some might think that she's a b-list celebrity seeking attention, Rochelle has been rather vocal in speaking out against Cosby. She was a guest star in four episodes of the Cosby Show, and has played various other roles in television and film. Currently, Rochelle lives in Paris, France, where she is a star of the stage and has acted alongside such sitcom greats as Alan Alda.

Increasing Security?

Curiously, Cosby's team has urged for increased security outside the courthouse. It was reported that Cosby's publicist, Andrew Wyatt, in urging the court to increase security, referred to recent mass shootings, stating that "you never know who's going to want to make a name for themselves."

Rochelle is part of an activist group called Femen, which is based out of Paris. The group is known for topless protests against religious institutions, politicians, and others seen as oppressors of women. The group specifically uses nudity to draw attention to their causes, which is controversial among feminist groups. She explained that she had no intention of touching Cosby, but did want him to feel uncomfortable and confused, like his alleged victims.

Related Resources:

• Former DA's Civil Claim Against Cosby Accuser Dismissed (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
• Cosby Seeks Judge's Recusal Due to Judge's Wife's Work (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
• Bill Cosby Hires New Lawyers -- Why Didn't He Call You? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)