Phylicia Rashad, who came to the defense of her former television husband Bill Cosby this week, telling ABC News that what has happened to Cosby "is declaration in the media of guilt without proof," also says she was misquoted in earlier statements about the situation.
On Tuesday, Rashad was quoted by Showbiz 411 as saying "Forget these women" when speaking about the many women who have accused Cosby of rape. Rashad also told Showbiz 411 she believes the accusations against Cosby are “orchestrated." During a Wednesday appearance on ABC's World News Tonight, Rashad clarified the quote, saying she never said "Forget these women."
"What I said is, 'This is not about the women.' ... This is about the obliteration of legacy," Rashad said. "I am a woman — I would never say such a thing."
Earlier Wednesday, lawyer Gloria Allred introduced three new Cosby accusers, and made a statement aimed at Rashad:
"Phylicia, I vow to you that I will not forget these women, because women matter. They deserve respect and dignity. Phylicia, you should be supporting these women rather than joining Cosby's paid "attack dogs" who are trying to undermine them in any way they can."
[Via The Hollywood Reporter]
