Cosby Abuse Claim Has Basis, Expert Says

LOS ANGELES (CN) - A woman who claims Bill Cosby molested her when she was 15 submitted a psychologist's opinion to support claims against the entertainer.

In a declaration in Superior Court, Judy Huth's attorney Marc Strecker said two witnesses had corroborated her claims, and that he had seen a photograph of defendant "Doe 1" with Huth at the Playboy Mansion, where she claims Cosby assaulted her in 1974.

Earlier this month, Cosby's lawyer Martin Singer rubbished Huth's 40-year-old allegations.

Singer said Huth had tried to extort the comedian with an "outrageous" six-figure demand, and had rushed to file the lawsuit after Cosby refused to cave.

In Cosby's demurrer, Singer called Huth's claims "meritless and unsupported" and said the state court should throw out them out because she failed to provide a psychological evaluation.

On Dec. 12, Strecker filed the declaration of Beverly Hills psychologist Dr. Anthony E. Reading to bolster her allegations.

"I have been consulted regarding Ms. Huth. I interviewed her and am knowledgeable of the relevant facts and issues involved in this action," Reading said in an exhibit attached to the declaration. "I have concluded, based upon my knowledge of the facts and issues, that there is, in my professional opinion, a reasonable basis to believe that Ms. Huth had been subject to childhood sexual abuse."

Singer said that in his haste to file the lawsuit, Strecker had failed to lodge his own supporting declaration.

Strecker addresses that issue in another filing made on Dec. 12, writing that there is a "reasonable and meritorious cause for filing."

"This conclusion is based in part on my discussions with the plaintiff, my interviews of two witnesses who corroborate the plaintiffs allegations, my consultation with the licensed mental health practitioner, and my review of photographs which show plaintiff, at age 15, with defendant Doe 1 at the Playboy Mansion," Strecker wrote.

Singer could not immediately be reached for comment. In his demurrer, he said that Huth's claims would still fail because they are untimely.

Cosby is seeking sanctions against Huth, whom he claims tried to sell her story to the tabloids almost 10 years ago.

Earlier this week, L.A. County prosecutors announced that they would not file claims against Cosby because Huth's claims are barred by the statute of limitations.

Twenty women have made abuse claims against Cosby.

Earlier this week, Cosby's wife Camille spoke publicly about the allegations.

"None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim," Camille Cosby said. "But the question should be asked - who is the victim?"

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