Leading psychologist Dr. Jeffery Gardere says those close to Bill Cosby cannot understand why the beloved comedian won't come out and deny rape accusations being made by a growing number of women.
"Many people who are very close to Dr. Bill Cosby are very perplexed that he won't respond to the charges that have been leveled against him — because they are very damaging," Gardere, known as "America's Psychologist," said Thursday on "The Steve Malzberg Show" on
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"Anyone in that position would come out and say if they weren't guilty of it 'I'm not guilty and I'm going to hold you to task for that.' "
Cosby's lawyers say the claims — some decades old — have already been discredited and the comic will not "dignify" them by commenting.
In recent interviews with NPR and the Associated Press, Cosby refused to comment about the allegations and asked an AP reporter not to air the part where he was asked about them.
Seven women who alleged they were victims of Cosby have publicly identified themselves. Asked if he found their stories credible, Gardere, an assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, said: "I always give the benefit of the doubt to anyone who says that they have been sexually assaulted because this is a very violent world against females.
"Certainly, we have to hear what it is they're saying — whether he's guilty or not, we don't know — but we certainly cannot dismiss the charges that have been leveled. They should be investigated in any way possible."
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