Disgraced American comedian Bill Cosby’s wife Camille has been called to testify in a deposition in Massachusetts, where her husband is suing seven women who accuse him of sexual assault.

Mrs Cosby was called to give evidence in a hotel in the north-eastern state where the star turned pariah has accused seven women of lying in alleging that he assaulted them — in order to damage his reputation and exact financial reward.

More than 50 women have come forward nationally to accuse the 78-year-old television legend of sexual assault in allegations spanning decades, and yet Mrs Cosby has stuck by her man.

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The couple have been married for 52 years.

Monday’s deposition marks the first time that his 71-year-old wife has been forced to give evidence in cases against her husband despite a last-ditch attempt by his legal team to get her off the hook.

Cosby’s defence team said the deposition was private and that it would be making no further comment.

In addition to being Cosby’s wife, she is also his former business manager.

In December 2014, as the onslaught of allegations built up, Mrs Cosby leapt to defend her “wonderful husband” and criticised the media coverage.

“None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim,” she said in a statement.

“But the question should be asked — who is the victim?”

Earlier this month, a judge paved the way for Cosby to stand trial in the state of Pennsylvania for the first time on a criminal sexual assault charge, throwing out an attempt by his lawyers to dismiss the case.