Bill Cosby has broken his silence after a number of rape accusations in a very brief interview with the New York Post's Page Six.
"Let me say this. I only expect the black media to uphold the standards of excellence in journalism and when you do that you have to go in with a neutral mind," Mr Cosby told the publication.
Mr Cosby (77) has stayed silent as more than two dozen women have come forward to accuse him of having drugged and sexually assaulted them. The alleged incidents go as far back as the 1960s.
In the interview, Mr Cosby also addressed how his wife, Camille Cosby, has weathered the allegations and ongoing public scrutiny.
“Love and the strength of womanhood,” he said. “Let me say it again, love and the strength of womanhood. And, you could reverse it, the strength of womanhood and love.”
Mr Cosby declined to address the rape and sexual assault allegations themselves. According to the report, he has been advised not to discuss the ongoing cases with the media.
The newspaper wrote that the comedian, speaking from his Massachusetts home, sounded "upbeat" on the phone.
The interview ended abruptly when Mr Cosby told the reporter that “they” do not want him talking to the media.
PA