Bill Cosby is going after seven women who have accused him of sexual assault, suing them for defamation of character and demanding retractions. The suit, filed Monday, asserts that Cosby never drugged or sexually assaulted the defendants.
According to CNN, the suit has been filed against Massachusetts accusers Tamara Green, Therese Serignese, Linda Traitz, Louisa Moritz, Barbara Bowman, Joan Tarshis and Angela Leslie.
Cosby's attorney Monique Pressley said that the women published false statements and accusations. Pressley added that their allegations have caused Cosby job loss and "mortification."
The seven women cited in the lawsuit are involved in their own defamation lawsuit against Cosby. A Massachusetts judge in October refused to throw out their suit against the comedian.
"This was expected," says attorney Joseph Cammarata, who represents the women. "It's a page out of a defense lawyer's playbook. It's curious to me how there can be scores of other ladies who have come out, and yet Mr. Cosby has singled out seven of them to bring a claim against. It's seems a bit retaliatory to me."
By “scores,” Cammarata is referring to the more than 40 women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault and drugging.
In addition to filing the defamation lawsuit Monday, Cosby saw his honorary degree from Boston University revoked.
"The board's decision was based on a determination, supported by Mr. Cosby's sworn deposition testimony, that his treatment of women has brought significant and lasting discredit upon himself and is inconsistent with the university's mission and values," said Boston University President Robert A. Brown.