Bill Cosby

Dr. William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. (born July 12, 1937) is an American actor, comedian, educator, television producer and philanthropist.

Controversy

In 1997, Cosby was the target of allegations from Autumn Jackson, a young woman who claimed she was his daughter. In court, Cosby testified that he had sex once with Jackson's mother, when he was already married to his wife. Cosby further admitted he gave financial support to Jackson's mother. Cosby said he told Jackson he would be a father figure to her, but that he was not her father. Autumn Jackson was later convicted on extortion charges.

Related Topics:
1997 - Extortion

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In January 2005 a woman alleged she was drugged and fondled by Cosby. The woman made the allegations nine months after it allegedly took place. In a statement from Cosby's publicist, Cosby's attorney said, "the charges are categorically false and we have no further comment."

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In February 2005 a second woman, California lawyer Tamara Green (maiden name Lucier), came forward alleging that in the 1970s she was drugged and groped by Cosby. Cosby's attorney has denied any merit to the allegations, stating "Mr. Cosby does not have any knowledge of a woman named Tamara Green or Tamara Lucia."

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While prosecutors have declined to press charges against Cosby, the first accuser has filed a federal civil suit against the performer. Attorneys for the woman suing Bill Cosby for sexual assault claim that at least ten other women are prepared to testify about "prior similar sexual assaults and/or drugging incidents" perpetrated by the comedian.

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