Bill Cosby Thanks Friends and Fans Following Sexual Assault Charge

Cosby was charged in a 2004 sexual assault case earlier this week.

January 1, 2016

Image via World Affairs Council of Philadelphia

Bill Cosby, currently free on a million-dollar bail after being formally charged with sexual assault, briefly broke his silence on New Year's Eve to issue a message of thanks to anyone still supporting him:

Cosby is accused of drugging and raping Andrea Constand in 2004 at his Pennsylvania home, the AP reported on Wednesday. Constand, a former Temple University employee, alleges she was in a relationship with a woman at the time, adding that Cosby was a "narcissist" who intentionally "missed cues" before ultimately committing the offense. "We'll have to see what happens," Constand's attorney, Dolores Troiani, told reporters shortly after Cosby was arraigned. "We hope justice will be done. We will cooperate fully."

Wednesday's charge against Cosby, who People reports is currently facing similar accusations from more than 50 women, marks the first criminal case brought against the comedian and former Cosby Show star since his alleged pattern of sexual assault was brought back to the forefront following comments from Hannibal Buress during a 2014 stand-up set.

On Friday, a Massachusetts court announced its decision to deny a motion by Cosby's wife, Camille, regarding a separate suit against her husband. Camille Cosby will now be forced to give a deposition in the defamation suit brought against Cosby by seven plaintiffs alleging that they were portrayed as "liars" after going public, CNN reports.