Phylicia Rashad defends Bill Cosby, blasts his accusers in sexual assault scandal

"Cosby Show" alum Phylicia Rashad has spoken out for the first time about the sexual assault scandal involving embattled comedian Bill Cosby.

"Forget these women," Rashad told Showbiz 411's Roger Friedman in a story published online Tuesday night. "What you're seeing is the destruction of a legacy. And I think it's orchestrated. I don't know why or who's doing it, but it's the legacy. And it's a legacy that is so important to the culture."

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In his report, Friedman said he spoke with Rashad hours earlier at New York's Metropolitan Club during a Paramount Pictures luncheon for the movie "Selma."

When asked about the scandal, Rashad initially declined to comment, saying, "I don't want to become part of the public debate."

In recent weeks, Cosby has been accused of raping, sexually assaulting or drugging more than 20 women.

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When asked how she felt about Cosby, Rashad reportedly said, "I love him." The Tony Award winner added that she had known the comedian for years and has never seen the behavior alleged by his accusers.

Rashad also dismissed claims by former supermodels Beverly Johnson and Janice Dickinson. "Oh, please," she said about the two women who have accused Cosby of inappropriate behavior.

"Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV," Rashad added, alluding to a conspiracy against the television icon. "And it's worked. All his contracts have been canceled."

Also Read: Model Beverly Johnson Accuses Bill Cosby of Drugging Her During Audition for 'The Cosby Show'

She also said the scandal has ultimately sullied the legacy of "The Cosby Show," which aired on NBC from 1984 to 1992. The series centered on the upper-class Huxtable family and defied stereotypes about African-Americans.

Cosby, 77, hasn't been charged with any crimes stemming from the allegations.

Also Read: 26 Bill Cosby Accusers: Complete Breakdown of the Allegations

But the fallout prompted the cancellation of a Netflix special, caused NBC to drop a comedy series that was in the works, and has led to several of his stand-up comedy shows being canceled. TV Land also pulled repeats of "The Cosby Show" amid the allegations.