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The suit follows similar legal actions in federal court in
Massachusetts, where Cosby lives, and California, contending
that the 78-year-old actor, best known for his role in the 1980s
"The Cosby Show," wrongly claimed that women he had sexually
assaulted had lied about him.
More than 50 women have come forward to accuse Cosby of sexually
assaulting them after plying them with drugs or alcohol,
allegations Cosby has denied.
The comedian has never been criminally charged and many of the
alleged incidents date back decades so the statute of
limitations for prosecution has long run out.
In papers filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield,
Massachusetts, Kristina Ruehli repeated claims she made in an
interview with Philadelphia Magazine last year that Cosby
drugged her and sexually assaulted her in his California home a
half-century ago.
In response, a Cosby attorney released a statement calling the
claims "unsubstantiated, fantastical stories" and adding that
"there has never been a shortage of lawyers willing to represent
people with claims against rich, powerful men."
Monday's lawsuit contends that Cosby defamed Ruehli with that
statement.
"It is one thing for an accused sexual assailant to remain
silent and allow the legal process, or public opinion, to run
its course, but it is quite another for him to unleash his
agents to deny that he attacked the plaintiff and other women,
to invite others to republish his statements, and to brand them
as unreliable liars," said the suit, which seeks unspecified
financial damages.
A Cosby spokesman declined comment on Monday.
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge earlier this month
ordered Cosby and his former attorney to give sworn depositions
in a defamation lawsuit brought in California by a former
supermodel who contends Cosby false called her a liar after she
accused him of sex assault.
(Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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