America has been stunned after allegations of rape were made against Bill Cosby, pictured The silence was excruciating. Bill Cosby and Camille, his wife of 50 years, were sitting in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, surrounded by valuable works of African art from their private collection, lent for an exhibition. Moments earlier, the veteran American TV star had been basking in adulation. His generosity had been praised in Saturday’s interview for National Public Radio, America’s equivalent of Radio 4. Then the conversation took an ugly turn. ‘This question gives me no pleasure,’ began presenter Scott Simon, before asking Cosby about ‘serious accusations raised against you in recent days’.
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Bill Cosby was quizzed about  abuse allegations on National Public Radio
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Presenter Scott Simon said the question gave him 'no pleasure'
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Cosby was asked about 'serious allegations raised in recent day'
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The star shook his head and refused to answer the question
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TV star Janice Dickenson accused Cosby of attacking her in 1982
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Eight women have come forward alleging they were abused by Cosby
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@placeholder tried twice more — and there were two more significant pauses — before he gave up and thanked the couple.