U.S. Magistrate Judge David Hennessy has ruled that Camille Cosby must testify in a civil action that has been brought against her husband, the legendary entertainer Bill Cosby, who was once dubbed as “America’s Dad.” The civil law suit against Bill Cosby was filed in December 2014 by seven women who allege that he sexually assaulted and abused them. Mr. Cosby’s alleged abusive sexual behavior lay dormant for many years, but has resurfaced in recent months. The seven women contend that when they publicly accused Bill Cosby of sexual improprieties against them, he responded by calling them liars, thereby defaming their character.
Camille Cosby’s lawyers argued that to depose Mrs. Cosby would put an undue burden on her, that she did not have first-hand knowledge of the events of the case, and that the conversations between her and her husband are confidential. Judge Hennessy rejected this argument and ordered a regular subpoena to be issued. In doing so he in effect denied Mrs. Cosby’s claim of protection under the state’s spousal disqualification law.
In addition to the civil lawsuit that has been brought against Bill Cosby, he has been indicted in Pennsylvania on criminal charges consisting of three counts of felony aggravated sexual assault. Camille Cosby may be forced to testify in that case. The National Enquirer magazine quotes a legal expert as saying: “No spousal privilege is granted in Pennsylvania to any criminal proceedings in which one of the charges pending against the defendant includes murder, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, or rape.” This legal standard makes possible the issuance of a subpoena for Camille to testify against her husband in his criminal trial.
Camille Cosby has remained steadfast beside her husband through much turbulence over the years: the couple’s son was murdered; a woman publicly accused Mr. Cosby of fathering her child during their affair but a paternity test proved that he was not the father; the seemingly never ending sexual misconduct accusations. Ms. Cosby claims that Bill remains the same man that she fell in love with, whom she continues to love, and that a different man has been portrayed in the media.
Although Ms. Cosby is quoted as saying about Mr. Cosby, “He is a kind man, a generous man, a funny man, and a wonderful husband, father and friend,” it has been noted that Ms. Cosby did not accompany her husband to his arraignment in Pennsylvania. There is also some speculation that she is growing weary of the continuous scandal and may soon seek a divorce.
Lawyers for Camille Cosby are appealing Judge Hennessy’s ruling.
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