Bill Cosby faces sexual assault allegations from nearly two dozen women, but his wife Camille refuses to believe her husband of 50 years could have committed such crimes.
Camille has issued her first public statement since the media speculation flared up a month ago. She claims the 77-year-old comedian "is the man you thought you knew" and not the one facing allegations that span as far back as the 1960s.
The embattled wife also compared her husband's accusers to the University of Virginia student who made the false report of her own attack to Rolling Stone magazine last month.
Her statement reads below:
"I met my husband, Bill Cosby, in 1963, and we were married in 1964. 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.
"A different man has been portrayed in the media over the last two months. It is the portrait of a man I do not know. It is also a portrait painted by individuals and organizations whom many in the media have given a pass. There appears to be no vetting of my husband's accusers before stories are published or aired. An accusation is published, and immediately goes viral.
"We all followed the story of the article in the 'Rolling Stone' concerning allegations of rape at the University of Virginia. The story was heart-breaking, but ultimately appears to be proved to be untrue. Many in the media were quick to link that story to stories about my husband - until that story unwound.
"None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim. But the question should be asked - who is the victim?"
Cosby has remained silent throughout much of the ordeal except to thank his few celebrity supporters on Twitter. He recently gave his first interview to the New York Post and spoke about the strength and support of his wife.
"Love and the strength of womanhood," Cosby said. "Let me say it again, love and the strength of womanhood. And, you could reverse it, the strength of womanhood and love."
In the interview, "The Cosby Show" star also asked for the "black media" to remain "neutral" as the allegations are investigated.
"Let me say this. 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," Cosby said.
The Post said Cosby sounded "upbeat" during the conversation despite the allegations he faces. He cut the interview short saying, "They don't want me talking to the media."
