Bill Cosby gives New Year's thanks to 'friends and fans' on Twitter -- and gets destroyed by his critics

Former television superstar and comedian Bill Cosby returned to Twitter on New Year's Eve to thank his "fans and friends," only to be savaged by critics over accusations that he sexually assaulted over 50 women.

Cosby, 78, was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting a woman after giving her drugs and alcohol in 2004. The actor/comedian posted a $1 million bond, and was forced to turn over his passport after being ordered to avoid any contact with his accuser.

Late Thursday night, Cosby tweeted out: "Friends and fans, Thank You" -- and the response from fellow Twitter users was fast and furious.

"Make a New Year's resolution, Bill: stop denying your horrendous crimes against women," one commenter wrote, while others urged him to delete his account -- a common comment on Twitter used both jokingly and for Twitter users with unpopular opinions.

A sampling of responses to Cosby below:

Cosby was not without supporters, with many extending wishes and prayers, while others admonished critics that the comedian is "innocent until proven guilty" despite the many accusations made against him.