Bill Cosby files defamation suits against accusers

BOSTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Bill Cosby is fighting back against seven of his 50 accusers with defamation lawsuits.

The 78-year-old comedian, known for his leading role in famed sitcom The Cosby Show, had his attorney file several counterclaims with the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, People reports.

The suits are against alleged sexual assault victims Tamara Green, Therese Serignese, Linda Traitz, Louisa Moritz, Barbara Bowman, Joan Tarshis and Angela Leslie. Cosby maintains he did not drug or sexually assault any of the defendants despite their claims.

Cosby's attorney, Monique Pressley, asserts the women have filed lawsuits against the actor and comedian in an "attempt to extract financial gain from him," and nothing more.

The lawsuit comes after over 50 women came forward over the course of the year to accuse Cosby of drugging, molesting and/or raping them.

Joseph Cammarata, legal representative of the seven women against whom Cosby's lawsuit has been filed, said in a statement it is an attempt to divert the focus from Cosby's alleged crimes.

"It is curious that he has filed a claim only against these seven women, when there are scores of other women who have made similar allegations of sexual abuse and assault against Mr. Cosby," Cammarata said in a statement obtained by People. "My clients remain resolute in their desire to have their day in court, sooner rather than later, and they each expect that their good name and reputation will be restored.

Over the summer, 35 women claiming similar traumatic experiences associated with Cosby were featured on the cover of New York Magazine.

In November of this year, Cosby and his former lawyer Marty Singer were scheduled to be deposed {link: "https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2015/11/03/Cosby-to-be-deposed-in-defamation-case/3521446537307/?spt=sec&or=en" target="_blank"} in a defamation case filed by celebrity Janice Dickinson, perhaps the most high-profile woman to accuse Cosby of rape. But Cosby and Singer won a stay of the order to testify, and the depositions were postponed. Singer has since filed a motion asking for the judge to be removed from the Dickinson defamation case.