Phylicia Rashad denounces Cosby sex assault accusers as more women are set to come forward

By RYAN GORMAN

The woman who starred opposite beleaguered comedian Bill Cosby on his hit NBC show has denounced the dozens of women claiming he sexually assaulted them even as more accusers are set to step forward.

Phylicia Rashad, who played Claire Huxtable on the sitcom "Cosby Show," told Showbiz 411 that she never saw her leading man act unprofessional around women.

"Forget these women," she insisted. "What you're seeing is the destruction of a legacy. And I think it's orchestrated.

"I don't know why or who's doing it, but it's the legacy," she continued. "And it's a legacy that is so important to the culture."

Rashad's dismissal of the sordid accusations spanning multiple decades came just as it was announced three more women were planning to make public their alleged past with Cosby.

The trio has not previously spoken about their claims and were previously unknown to those following to Cosby saga, according to media reports. They are set to speak during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

But Rashad remains undeterred.

"Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV ... and it worked," she griped.

"The show represented America to the outside world. This was the American family. And now you're seeing it destroyed. Why?"

Nearly three-dozen women have come forward with details that, if true, would make Cosby one of the most prolific serial rapists in the country's history.

Cosby, mostly through attorneys, has repeatedly denied the accusations despite reportedly settling out of court with a handful of the accusers.