Bill Cosby’s TV Wife Phylicia Rashad Defends Him, Dismisses ‘Orchestrated’ Assault Claims


Bill Cosby has a new voice defending him against allegations he drugged and assaulted women. Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosby’s wife on the long-running Cosby Show in the 1980s, has called the claims against the comedian “orchestrated.”

Rashad made the statement to Showbiz 411 while at an event for the new film Selma. Rashad was unequivocal in her support of Cosby.

“Forget these women. What you’re seeing is the destruction of a legacy. And I think it’s orchestrated. I don’t know why or who’s doing it, but it’s the legacy. And it’s a legacy that is so important to the culture.”

With regards to the claims made against Cosby by such prominent names as Janice Dickinson and Beverly Johnson, Rashad gave a simple response.

“Oh, please!”

Rashad also dismissed the idea that Camille Cosby, who recently came out in defense of her husband with a public statement, was deliberately putting her head in the sand or looking the other way. She implied the allegations against Cosby are a deliberate attempt to harm his career.

“Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV. And it’s worked. All his contracts have been cancelled… [‘The Cosby Show’] represented America to the outside world. This was the American family. And now you’re seeing it being destroyed. Why?”

Not all of Cosby’s contracts have been cancelled — at least not his stand-up performances. CTV News reported today that Cosby’s three shows in Ontario are going ahead this week. Protests are planned for Thursday’s date in London and Friday’s date in Hamilton.

Wednesday’s show in Kitchener will have direct competition in the form of a fundraiser to support women. The organization behind the “Voices Carry” event described why they have chosen a fundraiser instead of a protest.

“Right from the beginning, however, what Mike Farwell’s call to action centred around was doing something. Something positive. Something focused on our community, and helping survivors. Maybe not Cosby’s victims, but the women and children (and men) in our community who’ve faced abuse, assault, and violence.”

In the CTV News television report, one of the “Voices Carry” organizers said those with Cosby tickets would be welcomed to the event free of charge. Local politicians, including provincial members of parliament and the mayor of Kitchener, have said they will attend the fundraiser.

Tickets are still available for the Cosby event in Kitchener. In a statement to fans in all three Ontario cities who planned to attend and potentially face protesters, Cosby asked them to be cautious.

“If a disruption occurs, please remain calm until the matter is resolved and do not confront the person making the disruption.”

[Image Via usatoday.com]

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