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The 79-year-old told Sirius-XM radio host Michael Smerconish
that the dozens of women who have come forward to accuse him of
sexual misconduct were "piling on" and suggested that racism has
played a role in his treatment because he is black.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in a Pennsylvania
courtroom ahead of Cosby's June 5 trial on charges that he
drugged and sexually assaulted Andrea Constand, a former
basketball coach at his alma mater Temple University, in 2004.
The case is the only criminal prosecution to result from
accusations by approximately 60 women that Cosby sexually
assaulted them. Many of the incidents allegedly occurred decades
ago. Cosby has denied any wrongdoing.
In the interview, Cosby declined to comment extensively on the
upcoming trial, citing legal advice from his attorneys. But when
Smerconish asked whether he will testify Cosby replied, "No,"
saying that lawyers can twist a witness' words.
"When you have to deal with examination, cross-examination, et
cetera, et cetera, more than two sides to every story –
sometimes it's four or five," he said.
Cosby described preparing a Mother's Day meal for his wife of
more than five decades, Camille, and spoke about growing up in a
poor Philadelphia neighborhood.
Two of Cosby's daughters recently released taped statements
defending their father. Ensa Cosby said she believed her father
is innocent and "racism has played a big role in all aspects of
the scandal."
Asked whether he agreed with that view, Cosby said, "Could be,
could be," before adding, "I just truly believe that some of it
may very well be that."
Cosby also said that his wife has never wavered in her support.
The former star of the 1980s family sitcom "The Cosby Show" said
he intends to return to performing following the trial.
"I still feel that I have an awful lot to offer in terms of my
writing, in terms of my performance," he said.
(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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