A lawyer for Bill Cosby released a statement Sunday, saying the veteran comedian would not dignify "decade-old, discredited" claims of sexual abuse with a response.
The lawyer, John P. Schmitt, released the statement to the Associated Press and it was also posted at the comedian’s website. The statement represents the first comment from the 77-year-old comedian to a widening uproar over allegations that he sexually assaulted several women in the past.
“Over the last several weeks, decade-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have resurfaced,” the statement reads. “The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment.”
The allegations received renewed attention last month after comedian Hannibal Buress lambasted Cosby during a stand-up performance in Philadelphia, Pa., calling him a "rapist." The routine was captured in a video recording that went viral.
As reported Saturday by The Root, it was revealed that Cosby refused to address the allegations during an interview with Scott Simon, an NPR host. Cosby reportedly shook his head and remained silent for an uncomfortable moment and Simon resumed the conversation.
Schmitt’s statement also comes in the aftermath Cosby’s devastating #CosbyMeme shame and news that he canceled an appearance next week on The Late Show With David Letterman.
In the face of all of this, Schmitt ended the statement on an upbeat note, thanking fans of the comedian. He also hoped to close the book on the matter.
“He would like to thank all his fans for the outpouring of support and assure them that, at age 77, he is doing his best work,” the statement reads. “There will be no further statement from Mr. Cosby or any of his representatives.”
For a timeline of the accusations and legal cases against Cosby read here.
Read more at the Associated Press.
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