A history of denial

Comedian has steadfastly rejected claims against him,

Comedian Bill Cosby has always denied any charges of sexual assault, even as multiple women have come forward with allegations of abuse.

Feb. 12, 2005: Cosby tells the National Enquirer: “Sometimes you try to help people and they try to take advantage of you.” The statement comes four days after a district attorney decides not to file charges based on a complaint by Andrea Constand, a Toronto resident who knew Cosby, an alumnus of Temple University where Constand was employed.

Nov. 15, 2014: A month after comic Hannibal Buress called Cosby a rapist during a standup — unleashing a tide of other accusations — Cosby remains silent when asked about the issue during an interview on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition program.

Nov. 19, 2014: In a video interview with The Associated Press, Cosby says he has “no response” to the sexual assault allegations. “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,” he says.

Nov. 21, 2014: In an interview with Florida Today newspaper, Cosby says: “I know people are tired of me not saying anything, but a guy doesn’t have to answer to innuendos.”

Dec. 12, 2014: In an interview with the New York Post, Cosby says: “I only expect the black media to uphold the standards of excellence in journalism and when you do that you have to go in with a neutral mind.”

Dec. 14, 2015: Cosby files suit in Massachusetts Federal Court against seven female accusers for making “malicious, opportunistic and false and defamatory accusations of sexual misconduct” against him.

Dec. 22, 2015: Cosby sues model Beverly Johnson for defamation, alleging she was making “false allegations” against him in an attempt to revive her career.

Dec. 30, 2015: With a 12-year deadline to file charges set to expire early next year, Cosby is charged with aggravated indecent assault related to Constand’s original allegations.