Comedian sued for defamation

Two women who accuse Bill Cosby of sex offences in the 1970s have joined a legal action against the star.

The two women, Therese Serignese and Linda Traitz, are suing for defamation, saying the comedian called them liars when he denied their accusations.

They have joined a lawsuit already filed by another woman who claims Cosby assaulted her, Tamara Green,

The civil action allows them to have their allegations heard in court now that the statutes of limitation for criminal cases have expired.

Cosby cancelled some stand-up shows in the wake of the allegations and lost TV projects because of them. Protesters are planning a demonstration outside his shows in Canada this weekend.

The comedian has called the claims against him ‘fantastical’ and ‘uncorroborated’ – and has never been criminally charged over any of them.

Meanwhile Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show has praised Cosby’s legacy. Although saying ‘it’s really not my place to speak’ over the allegations, she added: ‘I can only speak to the great man that I know and love, who has been so generous, who has been such a philanthropist and giving back millions of dollars to education and schools… We’re still in America, and you're innocent until proven guilty of any crimes.’

Published: 6 Jan 2015