Chelan, an alleged victim of Bill Cosby: Photo: Getty

Bill Cosby’s wife has lashed out at media reporting on sex abuse claims against her husband, insisting he is the victim of unfounded accusations.

Camille Cosby compared the coverage of her husband to last week’s Rolling Stone story about alleged rape at the University of Virginia, for which the magazine later apologised.

• Bill Cosby’s Walk of Fame star desecrated
• Cosby accused of paying off women 
• Cosby sues alleged victim

“The man I met, and fell in love with … is the man you all knew through his work. He is a kind man, a generous man, a funny man, and a wonderful husband, father and friend. He is the man you thought you knew,” she said.

“A different man has been portrayed in the media over the last two months. It is the portrait of a man I do not know. It is also a portrait painted by individuals and organisations whom many in the media have given a pass.”

In a statement cited by US media, she lamented: “There appears to be no vetting of my husband’s accusers before stories are published or aired. An accusation is published, and immediately goes viral.”

She referred to Rolling Stone, which last week all but retracted a story about a gang rape, saying it was wrong to have trusted without question the alleged victim’s version of what happened.

More than 20 women have accused the veteran comic of sexual assault and rape, most dating from decades ago.

In the wake of the renewed allegations, Cosby has cancelled public appearances and stepped down from his board of directors post at Temple University.

AFP