Earlier today, the lawyer representing several women who have accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault claimed that he and his clients had reached a settlement deal with the jailed comedian's team. Joseph Cammarata stated that not only was the 2014 defamation lawsuit dismissed, but court documents say that the seven women were "satisfied with the settlement."
The wording of this announcement made many believe that Cosby and his attorneys negotiated this deal, but the actor says he had nothing to do with it. According to an official statement made through his publicist, Cosby says that his insurance company, American International Group Inc., made the agreement behind his back. He continues to deny any accusations made against him and will fight against those that he said have tarnished his name and reputation.
”AIG showed that they’re a part of the corruption against me, by paying off these distractors, without my knowledge, without my permission and without my consent. AIG’s egregious behavior will be frowned upon by their many customers. They have proven that they do not have the best interest of their clients in mind, which will cause them to lose an overwhelming amount of business. I, [Bill Cosby], will never settle any defamation claim, I will continue to pursue my counterclaims, and I will not relinquish AIG from its responsibility in defending my defamation claims. That’s why I paid my premiums on time and I never let my policy lapse. AIG’s settlement of these claims in Massachusetts makes them look corrupt and it exposes my innocence. Thank you very much.”
According to Deadline, a representative for Cosby parroted that same sentiment by stating, "Mr. Cosby did not settle any cases with anyone. He is not paying anything to anyone, and he is still pursuing his counterclaims. AIG decided to settle these cases, without the knowledge, permission and/or consent of Mr. Cosby. Mr. Cosby vehemently denies the allegations brought against him in these defamation suits and he maintains his innocence."