Cosby's wife slaps media, defends 'wonderful husband'

Bill Cosby's wife lashed out Monday at media reporting on sex abuse claims against her husband, insisting he was 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 apologized.

"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 organizations 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.

"The story was heartbreaking, but ultimately appears to be proved to be untrue," she said, adding: "None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim. But the question should be asked - who is the victim?"

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

Most allegations fall outside the statute of limitations for criminal charges. But one woman, former Playboy hostess Judy Huth, filed a sexual assault lawsuit in Los Angeles against the Emmy and Golden Globe winner.

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