Bill Cosby, who has been accused by more than 40 women of sexual assault, is suing several of his accusers, claiming they lied about being raped for financial gain. The countersuit claims that the women have “published multiple false statements and accusations” in an attempt to ruin Mr. Cosby’s reputation and “extract financial gains”.
The seven women, who are among approximately 50 alleged victims, publicly accused him of rape and sexual misconduct that occurred decades ago.
“Bill Cosby… says the women’s accusations against him are “malicious, opportunistic, false and defamatory”.
The lawsuit was filed today in United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Western Division, Pressley said.
The embattled comedian filed a defamation countersuit against Tamara Green, Therese Serignese, Linda Traitz, Louisa Moritz, Barbara Bowman, Joan Tarshis and Angela Leslie on Monday.
Joseph Cammarata, an attorney who represents all seven women, said “no one should be surprised” at Cosby’s lawsuit.
It was filed by Cosby’s lawyer, Monique Pressley.
My statement re today's lawsuit filed by @BillCosby against all 7 accusers in Massachusetts lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/XRYoV4gXpC
— Monique Pressley (@MoniquePressley) December 14, 2015
The lawyer for the seven women also issued a statement on Monday, to say that they “expect that their good name and reputation will be restored”.
Documents from a 2005 civil lawsuit against Cosby were made public in July and included a testimony in which Cosby admitted to obtaining sedative drugs to use on women he wanted to have sex with. “Such a tactic will not deter courageous women from fighting the battle against him”.
Cosby is seeking an unspecified amount of money in his counterclaim, according to theNew York Times. Indeed, anyone would be angry about someone engaging in a campaign to assassinate their character, and it’s understandable that someone would want to get compensation if someone else ruined a job prospect.
By Elsie Buchanan
