A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled Thursday that Bill Cosby’s wife must give a deposition in a defamation lawsuit against the comedian, but said she can refuse to answer questions about private marital conversations.
In the lawsuit, seven women claim Cosby defamed them by branding them as liars after they went public with accusations that he sexually assaulted them decades ago.
A lawyer for the women has sought to compel Camille Cosby to give a deposition. Last month, a magistrate judge rejected Cosby’s bid to quash the deposition subpoena.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni upheld the magistrate’s ruling, but said Camille Cosby may refuse to answer questions that call for testimony prohibited by the Massachusetts marital disqualification rule. The rule generally prohibits spouses from testifying about private marital conversations.
The women’s lawyer, Joseph Cammarata, hoped to depose Camille Cosby on Feb. 22, but it was not immediately clear if that date is firm.
Camille Cosby’s lawyers praised the ruling. In a statement, they said the ruling affirms “the confidential nature of and protection afforded to marital communications.”
Cammarata has argued that since Camille Cosby has been married to Cosby for 52 years and was also his business manager, she could have useful information.
But since the judge ruled that she can refuse to answer questions about her private conversations with her husband, it is now unclear how much information she will supply.
In his ruling, Mastroianni said the right to refuse to answer certain deposition questions does not entitle someone to refuse to appear for a deposition altogether. The judge also said that the marital disqualification rule only applies to private conversations and there are exceptions, including when a third party was present and heard the conversation, if both spouses were jointly engaged in criminal activity or if the communication was written.
“Accordingly, in light of the relatively narrow scope of the rule, the existence of various exceptions, and (Camille Cosby’s) unique role in Defendant’s life for over fifty years, she may possess a good deal of relevant, non-protected information which can be uncovered in a deposition,” Mastroianni wrote.
The seven women suing Cosby for defamation are among about 50 women who have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. He has denied their allegations.
Cosby, 78, was charged in December in Pennsylvania with drugging and sexually assaulting a former Temple University athletic department employee at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. He has pleaded not guilty. A judge last week denied a motion by Cosby’s lawyers to dismiss the charges and scheduled a preliminary hearing for March 8.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Bill Cosby’s lawyers should move to block all depositions in civil cases until the criminal case is resolved. Anything disclosed by Mr. or Mrs. Cosby in a civil deposition could come back to haunt Bill in his criminal case.
Why didn’t these women come forward with their allegations decades ago? They are looking for money. I don’t believe Mr. Cosby would do such as he’s accused of and I do not think Bill Cosby is as corrupt as these women would lead the public and judicial folks to believe. If I were a judge in this matter, I would throw the whole mess out. Why ruin a good and decent man’s reputation, when he’s given us years of humor and comedy? The answer: MONEY. And, to put Mrs. Cosby through these greedy women’s fantasies, is unthinkable. In the event any of the allegations were true, were not the women of age and agreeable? Some people make me sick to my stomach. To bring these assertions up at this late date is disgusting and by a bunch of whores.
bill and the women know what happened. Bill will not admit it if he did do it. What man would. I really believe he did do it. A “loving dad” on tv is nothing. Real life is what counts. When a woman is drugged, and of age that doesnt mean crap. If the women were drugged, they were not able to defend themselves. If he did it, then he needs to pay….regardless of his age…..regardless if it breaks up his family or not.
I would be willing to say there are more women who have not come forward. He needs to go to prison just like any other serial raptist. If his wife knew of this she is guilty also
I personally DO believe cosby is guilty so how in the world would a judge just simply throw out these cases(charges/allegations) simply because you don’t believe this monster committed these offenses thank the lord you could never be a judge get a clue.These women were not seeking money in the criminal courts only justice but now they are filing a CIVIL lawsuit for defamation for publicly being called liars I hope they get millions from this less than human POS who had to resort to drugs to get laid cuz he was so damn ugly.wtf with his money he could have bought a super high class prostitute but with people like him it’s about the power over someone and not just the sex imho he is a pervert
They did come forward but times were different. Doesn’t mean it didn’t happen Why would they risk their reputations now if these were lies?. I think they are willing to take the risk to tell the truth the courts weren’t willing to listen to before the 70-80’s Can people be public and private personalities?? Of course I like cosby in his roles and yes I believe these ladies
What a contrast in the spotlight between Bill Clinton, and Bill Cosby.
50 WOMEN are not lying. Most of them tried to tell the world but no one would listen–believe them !! It’s still a mans world so who would believe a woman ! Bill Cosby should fill the full force of punishment. Do not reward him just because he has put on a good front over the years. I BELIEVE THE WOMEN 100%
Gee, if Mrs. Cosby has to testify, why not Mrs. Clinton – when “her Bill comes due?”