In a recent episode of the “Counsel Culture” show, Iyanla Vanzant and host Nick Cannon delved into a thought-provoking conversation about the challenges famous Black men face in terms of healing in the public eye.

Cannon shared an unreleased clip from their February 2024 sit-down, titled “Healing In Public,” where they explored whether comedian and actor Bill Cosby could potentially heal from his personal struggles.

Cannon initiated the conversation, saying, “We’ve got some inner turmoil,” and asked Vanzant how to address it. Vanzant responded, “First, let’s not label them as negative or wrong. Everything is a lesson that God wants us to learn.” Cannon countered, “I think we need to call a spade a spade. Bill Cosby has some deep-seated issues.”

Author and life coach Iyanla Vanzant (left) shares empathy for Bill Cosby (right).

The “inner turmoil” Cannon referred to likely pertained to the multiple allegations of misconduct against Cosby, including drugging and assaulting women between 1965 and 2004. In 2018, Cosby was found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault against former Temple University employee Andrea Constand. He was sentenced to three to ten years in prison, but in 2021, his conviction was overturned due to violations of his due process rights.

According to Cannon, Cosby’s actions suggested he was grappling with deep-seated issues. However, Vanzant did not believe it was fair to place all the blame on him.

“Is that a personal struggle, or is that a wounded individual who became a successful person, driven to make people money, and was exploited for their own benefit?” Vanzant asked, questioning Cannon’s perspective on the comedy legend. She clarified that she did not condone his alleged actions but encouraged people to look deeper. “Was he a broken person? Do we know what his pain was?” she inquired.

The two discussed the idealized roles Cosby had assumed throughout his career before agreeing that possibly no one had ever asked him, “How do you feel?”

The comments on the Instagram post sharing the clip revealed diverse opinions on Vanzant’s and Cannon’s perspectives.

One follower sided with Cannon, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility. “I’ve got to agree with Nick on this one! You’ve got to acknowledge and battle your personal struggles.”

Another believed Cosby had the means to seek help. “He had millions of dollars to get the help he needed. He wasn’t a victim who was forced to work for others.”

A third commenter saw Cannon’s resistance to Vanzant’s reasoning as a reflection of his own unaddressed pain. “She spoke truth to power. If you don’t heal the hurt, it will manifest in 95% of your actions. Judging without understanding exposes your own wounds.”

Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, a life coach and psychologist, sided with Vanzant. “They used his pain and trauma for entertainment and exploited him when it suited them. This is a common narrative for many Black men. Great insight, @iyanlavanzant.”

Several comments praised the conversation and how the two handled it, without taking a side.