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Arts & Entertainment

Pajama-Wearing Bill Cosby Speaks Out To Fans In Weird Video

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Bill Cosby spoke out in his first video message to fans since he'd been hit with a barrage of sexual assault allegations. In the short clip, he makes jokes promoting his comedy tour rather than address the over 30 women who've accused him of drugging or raping them.

In the video, which Good Morning America aired this morning, the 77-year-old embattled comedian appears to be wearing silky maroon pajamas, sitting on an arm chair and excitedly talking on a rotary phone. It's a bizarre and short clip, and we don't even know who he's talking to on the phone. Cosby says, "You know I'll be hilarious. Can't wait."

He's released a number of written statements saying he's "far from finished," but this is the first time he's been filmed a video saying it as well. He included a note to his fans with the video that reads, "Dear Fans: I hope you enjoy my video message that's filled with laughter. Hey, hey, hey, I'm far from finished."

Over 30 women have come forward with their stories about how Cosby has drugged or sexually assaulted them, according to PEOPLE. Three of those women have filed a defamation lawsuit against the comedian, which he is trying to get dismissed. Cosby's lawyers have been denying the allegations.

Many legs of his comedy tour have been cancelled in the midst of these allegations, but he still has shows scheduled in West Virginia, Maryland and Georgia in the coming months.

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