The Cosby Show Producers: Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Claims Are “Beyond Comprehension” — SEE STATEMENT

(NBC)

The executive producers of “The Cosby Show” are speaking out about the sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby. As Gossip Cop has reported, at least five women have come forward accusing the actor-comedian of sex crimes. Though many of the allegations date back several decades, they have received renewed attention in recent weeks, or are being shared publicly for the first time in recent days.

As the scandal continues to grow, TVLand has pulled “The Cosby Show” from its lineup indefinitely, effective immediately. That includes the cancellation of a planned Thanksgiving marathon. Tom Werner and Marcy Carsey, the producers of the beloved family sitcom, say in a statement on Thursday, “The Bill we know was a brilliant and wonderful collaborator on a show that changed the landscape of television. These recent news reports are beyond our knowledge or comprehension.”

Werner and Carsey’s company produced “The Cosby Show” from 1984 to 1992, and currently holds the distribution rights. Over the course of the series, the show won multiple Emmys, Golden Globes and People’s Choice Awards. Several of those honors were specifically for Cosby. His co-star, Raven-Symone, hit back at a hoax on Wednesday that falsely alleged he had victimized her. The actress wrote on Instagram, “I was NOT taking advantage of by Mr. Cosby [sic] when I was on the Cosby Show! I was practically a baby on that show and this is truly a disgusting rumor that I want no part of! Everyone on that show treated me with nothing but kindness. Now keep me out of this!”

In addition to “The Cosby Show” getting pulled from syndication, NBC has killed a comedy series it was developing with the star and Werner, and Netflix has postponed the launch of his “Bill Cosby 77″ special.

In a statement released Thursday night, Cosby’s attorney Marty Singer hit back at several of the women who have most recently accused the star of sexual assault, calling the claims “utter nonsense.” Gossip Cop will continue to have updates.