Camille Cosby defends husband, Bill, suggests he's the victim

PHILADELPHIA (Christian Examiner) -- Bill Cosby's wife, Camille, came to his defense Monday for the first time since the multiple accusations surfaced claiming that the acclaimed African-American comedian had drugged and sexually assaulted women over decades. In a statement released Monday to CBS News, Mrs. Cosby said that her husband, a "kind man," was a victim of unsubstantiated stories and reporting that wasn't thorough.

"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," she stated. "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."

"There appears to be no vetting of my husband's accusers before stories are published or aired," Mrs. Cosby continued. She then compared the reporting surrounding the University of Virginia rape scandal to her husband's own troubles.

"We all followed the story of the article in the 'Rolling Stone' concerning allegations of rape at the University of Virginia," Camille Cosby continued. "The story was heart-breaking, but ultimately appears to be proven untrue. Many in the media were quick to link that to stories about my husband -- until that story unwound."

"None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim," she concluded. "But the question should be asked — who is the victim?"

Cosby, known internationally as the educated and moral head of television's Huxtable family, previously has been very open about his faith in God and his Christian upbringing. His high-profile talks about education and uplift in the African-American community make the accusations of his immoral behavior even more shocking.

Cosby, who has been accused by over two dozen women including supermodels Beverly Johnson and Janice Dickinson, previously said that his wife, Camille, is standing by him through turbulent times. The comedian has had a Netflix comedy special canceled, an NBC sitcom scrapped, and his association with two schools— Temple University and Spelman College— essentially removed.

"Love and the strength of womanhood," Cosby said Camille added to him. "Let me say it again, love and the strength of womanhood. And, you could reverse it, the strength of womanhood and love."

Cosby and his lawyers, Martin Singer and John B. Schmitt, have categorically denied all claims and consistently remind the public that the comedian was never charged in any crime.