Hugh Hefner has spoken on the rape allegations that have been levied against Bill Cosby over the past several weeks.
The Playboy founder felt a need to address this ongoing scandal not merely because he’s known the legendary comedian for many years… but also because Judy Huth recently came out and said Cosby sexually assaulted her when she was 15 years old.
During a party at the Playboy Mansion.
"Bill Cosby has been a good friend for many years and the mere thought of these allegations is truly saddening," Hefner wrote in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "I would never tolerate this kind of behavior, regardless of who was involved."
The Los Angeles Police Department has opened an investigation in light of Huth’s allegations, while Cosby’s attorney has referred to them as “absolutely false.”
He has also produced documents that aim to prove Huth has been extorting Cosby, demanding $250,000 in exchange for her silence.
Meanwhile, former Playboy Bunny P.J. Masten has also come forward with sexual assault accusations against Cosby.
Talking to CNN on Friday, Masten said that the actor drugged and raped her in a Chicago hotel in 1972. She added that her assault was not an isolated incident.
"[There are] 12 former bunnies that I know of that are ashamed to come forward, frightened to come forward, married with families [and] don’t want to come forward. But they were also drugged and raped by Bill Cosby," Masten said.
Cosby has never been charged with a crime, but over 20 women have now alleged his drugged and raped them over the years.
Late last week, someone defaced Cosby’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with the word "Rapist."
Cosby himself has uttered nary a word in his defense, though lawyer Marty Singer continues to deny all charges against his client.
