A Bill Cosby settled case – back from 2005 – could cause “severe embarrassment” for the stand-up comedian and actor if details of the case are unsealed, claims Cosby’s attorney.
The Associated Press has filed a motion for the details of a 2005 Pennsylvania sexual assault case to be unsealed. The case was brought against Cosby by Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee.
Writes The Associated Press, via ABC News: “Cosby is fighting efforts by The Associated Press to unseal motions from a lawsuit he settled with a former Temple University employee. The lawsuit accused Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting the woman at Cosby’s home. The settlement is confidential. Cosby’s lawyer argued that his client’s deposition could reveal details of Cosby’s marriage, sex life and prescription drug use.”
In 2004, Constand accused Cosby of drugging and fondling her. A year later, the Montgomery County’s District Attorney dismissed the charge for a lack of “credible and admissible evidence.” Thereafter, Constand filed a civil suit, threatening to have over a dozen potential witnesses testify if the case went to trial. Cosby settled, out of court, and the monetary amount awarded to Constand was never disclosed.
Cosby’s lawyer, George M. Gowen III, said: “It would be terribly embarrassing for this material to come out. Frankly, it would embarrass him, and it would also prejudice him in eyes of the jury pool in Massachusetts.”
But US District Judge Eduardo Robreno asked Cosby’s lawyer why the 77-year-old comedian would be embarrassed by the release of his own sworn testimony, especially considering the allegations against him are already paramount in the public eye.
“Why would he be embarrassed by his own version of the facts?” Robreno asked.
The Associated Press is arguing that Cosby is a “public figure,” and therefore not entitled to the same level of privacy that an average citizen may hold. In fact, according the AP, Cosby has reached an “icon” status.
As an “icon,” Cosby “held himself out as someone who would guide the public in ways of morality,” asserted AP lawyer Gayle Sproul.
Gowen said that his client’s “embarrassment at the release of the discovery motions – deposition excerpts about sex, money, health, and marriage – would be severe.” Futhermore, Gowen claims Cosby settled under the condition that the details would remain forever sealed.
To date, over 40 women have stepped forth with the claim that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted them. Some of the claims date back to the 1960s.
See also:
Phylicia Rashad says Cosby is innocent: ‘Claire Huxtable’ speaks out for Cosby
Hannibal Buress wants you to know that Bill Cosby is a ‘smug rapist’ (VIDEO)
What’s your take? Should the Cosby settlement details be released?
