Bill Cosby sexual misconduct allegations: Comedian fights back over defamation lawsuit

Attorneys for the entertainer and comedian Bill Cosby plan to ask a federal court judge to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against the comedian in Massachusetts.

The suit was filed by three women who said he called them liars when they accused him of sexual assault.

Cosby, 77, and attorneys for the women said that they met twice this month with an eye toward resolving the lawsuit filed in US District Court in Springfield, Massachusetts.

They also said they would file a motion to dismiss by Friday.

The lawsuit contends that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted the three in the 1970s and later called them liars when confronted about the claims.

The entertainer, who has been open about his Christian faith, has faced a string of allegations about his sexual conduct towards women. Appearances have been cancelled and his reputation has been severely tarnished. However, he has also had high-profile supporters including his wife, who said in a statement in December, "He is the man you thought you knew."

More than a dozen women have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. He has never been criminally charged and through his lawyers has denied all the sexual assault claims.

Over the past month he has canceled scheduled standup performances in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and California.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
Bill Cosby blocked tabloid story about assault allegations in 2005
Bill Cosby blocked tabloid story about assault allegations in 2005

Bill Cosby blocked tabloid story about assault allegations in 2005

Bill Cosby quits Temple University board of trustees; alleged victim count reaches 20
Bill Cosby quits Temple University board of trustees; alleged victim count reaches 20

Bill Cosby quits Temple University board of trustees; alleged victim count reaches 20

Bill Cosby\'s wife defends him: \'He is the man you thought you knew.\'
Bill Cosby's wife defends him: 'He is the man you thought you knew.'

Bill Cosby's wife defends him: 'He is the man you thought you knew.'

Phylicia Rashad defends Bill Cosby, two more women join lawsuit
Phylicia Rashad defends Bill Cosby, two more women join lawsuit

Phylicia Rashad defends Bill Cosby, two more women join lawsuit

News
Pleas to remember Africa's forgotten wars
Pleas to remember Africa's forgotten wars

Both Sudan and the DRC have been blighted by endless civil wars.

Christian bookshop named 'champion' by industry association
Christian bookshop named 'champion' by industry association

Green Pastures is believed to be the only Christian bookshop in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Woman cleared of breaching abortion clinic buffer zone
Woman cleared of breaching abortion clinic buffer zone

Claire Brennan was the first person convicted under Northern Ireland's 'safe access' laws.

United Bible Societies celebrates 80 years of ministry with pledge to reach more young people
United Bible Societies celebrates 80 years of ministry with pledge to reach more young people

The United Bible Societies marked eight decades of global ministry this month with the release of a landmark declaration pledging renewed commitment to making Scripture accessible to younger generations worldwide.