Cosby’s wife, Camille, testifies in pre-trial deposition

Disgraced American comedian Bill Cosby’s wife Camille was called to testify Monday in a deposition in Massachusetts, where her husband is suing seven women who accuse him of sexual assault.

Camille was called to give evidence in a hotel in the northeastern state where the star turned pariah has accused seven women of lying in alleging that he assaulted them — in order to damage his reputation and exact financial reward.

More than 50 women have come forward nationally to accuse the 78-year-old television legend of sexual assault in allegations spanning decades, and yet Camille has stuck by her man. The couple have been married 52 years.

Monday’s deposition marks the first time that his 71-year-old wife has been forced to give evidence in cases against her husband despite a last-ditch attempt by his legal team to get her off the hook.

Cosby’s defense team told AFP the deposition was private and said it would be making no further comment.

In addition to being Cosby’s wife, she is also his former business manager. In December 2014, as the onslaught of allegations built up, Camille leapt to defend her “wonderful husband” and criticized the media coverage.

“None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim. But the question should be asked — who is the victim?” she said in a statement.

Earlier this month, a judge paved the way for Cosby to stand trial in the state of Pennsylvania for the first time on a criminal sexual assault charge, throwing out an attempt by his lawyers to dismiss the case.