Bill Cosby sues sexual assault accusers for defamation

On Monday, Bill Cosby filed a countersuit against seven women who are suing him for defamation, saying they are "engaged in a campaign to assassinate" his character and reputation.

More than 40 women have accused Cosby of sexual assault dating back several decades, and seven have gone to court seeking damages from him, saying the comedian and his representatives are trying to sully their reputations. His accusers say Cosby gave them alcohol and sedatives and then sexually assaulted them, allegations that Cosby, who has not been criminally charged, denies.

In the suit, Cosby calls the accusations "nothing more than an opportunistic attempt to extract financial gain from him," and said the women caused him emotional distress, the BBC reports. He is also seeking monetary damages; since the women have come forward with their claims, Netflix and NBC have both dropped plans to develop projects with Cosby.

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