Bill Cosby gave an exclusive interview to cover up sex abuse charges

Cosby, who faced a civil lawsuit then brought by his first accuser, Temple University employee Andrea Constand, said he did not want the tabloid to print its interview with another accuser, former model Beth Ferrier, according to court documents that
Cosby, who faced a civil lawsuit then brought by his first accuser, Temple University employee Andrea Constand, said he did not want the tabloid to print its interview with another accuser, former model Beth Ferrier, according to court documents that were unsealed in recent months and released on Wednesday. -- PHOTO: AFP

New York - Bill Cosby made a deal with The National Enquirer in 2005, doing an exclusive interview with the tabloid to block its article about sexual assault accusations against the comedian, said The New York Times.

Cosby, who faced a civil lawsuit then brought by his first accuser, Temple University employee Andrea Constand, said he did not want the tabloid to print its interview with another accuser, former model Beth Ferrier, according to court documents that were unsealed in recent months and released on Wednesday.

He spoke about his deal with the tabloid under oath in the Constand case in September 2005, said the Times.

Constand said he had drugged and groped her in 2004. Ferrier said he had drugged and sexually assaulted her in the mid-1980s.

He was quoted as saying in the deposition: "I would give them an exclusive story, my words." In exchange, the tabloid would not "print Beth's story", he added.

He was asked if he thought the publication of Ferrier's story would boost the credibility of Constand's accusations, said the Times. "Exactly," he was quoted as saying.

Several women have said he forced himself on them sexually, sometimes after drugging them. Last Friday, he told Florida Today: "I know people are tired of me not saying anything, but a guy doesn't have to answer to innuendos. People should fact-check."

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