First Hearing Set in Defamation Lawsuit Against Bill Cosby

A judge is scheduled to hear arguments in a defamation lawsuit filed by three women who allege comedian Bill Cosby sexually assaulted them decades ago.

Thursday's hearing in U.S. District Court in Worcester is the first in the suit filed in December.

The suit applies solely to the defamation allegation and not for any of assault allegation.

The women say Cosby's representatives publicly branded them liars while trying to defend him. They're among more than a dozen women who in recent years have levelled assault accusations against Cosby, who hasn't been charged with any crime.

Thursday's hearing will focus on a request by the women's lawyers to subpoena records from the lawyer of another Cosby accuser.

Representatives for Cosby, who has a home in Massachusetts, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.