Bill Cosby’s Wife, Camille Cosby: Read Her Statement That Defends Her Husband

Bill Cosby’s wife, Camille Cosby, has released a statement to news outlets. In it, Bill Cosby’s wife of 50 years defends the comedian and assures the public, “He is the man you thought you knew.” Cosby made reference to the couple’s long marriage and her husband’s work.

“The man I met, and fell in love with, and whom I continue to love, is the man you all knew through his work. He is a kind man, a generous man, a funny man, and a wonderful husband, father and friend. He is the man you thought you knew.”

Camille Cosby goes on to compare the media’s handling of the allegations against her husband to the recent case of a Rolling Stone article that alleged rape at the University of Virginia. That magazine had published an article that alleged rape on the university campus, but the authenticity of the facts in the article were later in dispute.

Camille ends her statement by posing the question: who is the victim?

Several women have come forward in recent weeks to accuse Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting them. Cosby’s accusers include former supermodels Janice Dickinson and Beverly Johnson. He is also accused of assaulting a woman at the Playboy mansion when she was underage. All of the allegations date back several decades.

Over the weekend a New York Post reporter spoke with Cosby, who said the comedian urged the “black media” to “remain neutral.” He also spoke highly of Camille when asked how she is handling the situation.

“Love and the strength of womanhood. Let me say it again, love and the strength of womanhood. And, you could reverse it, the strength of womanhood and love.”

ABC News posted the statement to its Facebook page as a photo. You can ready Cosby’s full statement below.

Back in November, Camille Cosby sat next to her husband during an Associated Press interview where Bill Cosby was asked about the assault allegations. The interview was about an exhibit at the Smithsonian from the couple’s art collection. The AP reporter made reference to stand-up comedian Hannibal Burress’ routine that referred to the stories surrounding Cosby. During the interview, Bill Cosby declined to answer, saying “No, no. We don’t answer that.” He then asked that the discussion be “scuttled.”

Cosby said, “There’s no response. There is no comment about that. And I’ll tell you why. I don’t want to compromise your integrity, but I don’t talk about it.”

Cosby told the New York Post reporter on Friday that his advisors did not want him speaking with the media.

[Bill and Camille Cosby image via TIME]