Bill Cosby is going to trial. Today (May 24), a Pennsylvania judge rule that Cosby’s trial for sexual assault will move forward despite the attempts of his lawyers to have the charges dismissed.
Reports the New York Times:
The ruling, by Judge Elizabeth A. McHugh, ended five months of efforts by Mr. Cosby’s lawyers to have the charges dismissed.
The decision, after a 3½-hour hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse here, means that a man who was once one of America’s most beloved entertainers but has been pursued by allegations of sexual misconduct by dozens of women must face at least one of his accusers at trial, probably later this year. Mr. Cosby, 78, has denied the allegations.
“This case will move forward,” Judge McHugh told the crowded courtroom. Mr. Cosby, who sat flanked by his lawyers throughout the hearing, stood at the end and said, “Thank you.” The judge wished him luck.
Mr. Cosby waived a formal arraignment, which means he automatically enters a plea of not guilty. The next stage will be for a judge to set a trial date.
A recently unsealed deposition revealed that Cosby admitted under oath to having sexual relations with teenaged girls and having them paid hush money.
Cosby was married at the time. The comedian’s wife, Camille Cosby, had little to say to lawyers during her deposition, citing marital privilege at her lawyers behest.
In December 2015, the disgraced comedian was formally charged with drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a Temple University staffer he had mentored, back in 2004.
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Photo: WENN.com
