Spike Lee Accuses Bill Cosby of Taking the Idea for “A Different World” from “School Daze” In a surprising revelation, acclaimed director Spike Lee has accused Bill Cosby of taking the concept for the popular TV show “A Different World” from his film “School Daze.” This claim has sparked a significant conversation among fans and critics alike. “School Daze,” released in 1988, is a film directed by Spike Lee that explores life at a historically black college or university (HBCU). The movie delves into themes of acceptance, rejection, loyalty, betrayal, unity, and division within the community, all set against the backdrop of an HBCU. The film was well-received and resonated deeply with audiences, inspiring many to pursue higher education. “A Different World,” on the other hand, is a spin-off of “The Cosby Show” that premiered in 1987. The sitcom also takes place at an HBCU and tackles various life social issues. Spike Lee took to social media during a Twitter watch party for “School Daze” to share some insights about the film. He claimed that after he made “School Daze,” Bill

Cosby hired the movie’s casting director, Robbi Reed, to work on “A Different World.” Lee tweeted, "And for {the} record. School Daze was recorded before A Different World. Robbi Reed cast both. Bill Cosby jacked us". The reaction to Lee’s accusation has been mixed. Some fans and critics agree with Lee, noting the obvious crossover of talent between the two projects. Actors such as Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, and Darryl M. Bell appeared in both “School Daze” and "A Different World". Others believe that both creative works have positively influenced the portrayal of HBCUs and inspired many to attend college. Despite the controversy, both “School Daze” and “A Different World” have left a lasting impact on the representation of HBCUs in media. They have shed light on the black college experience and inspired generations to pursue higher education. While the debate over originality of “A Different World” continues, it’s clear that both Spike Lee’s “School Daze” and Bill Cosby’s “A Different World” have both played significant roles in highlighting the importance of HBCUs and the experiences of their students.