Bill Cosby's lawyers ask judge to dismiss defamation suit

Bill Cosby's lawyers have asked a federal judge to throw out a defamation lawsuit filed by three women who accuse the comedian of decades-old sexual assaults.

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His lawyers said Monday that the actor was merely acting in "self-defense" when his representatives responded to the allegations through statements to the media.

They say some comments are protected speech while the statute of limitations has expired in others.

The Cosby Show actor wasn't at the hearing, but one of his accusers, Tamara Green, was.

Green and two other women say their reputations were tarnished because of how Cosby responded to their allegations.

The women are among dozens who have stepped forward in recent years with accusations against Cosby, who hasn't been charged with a crime.

The judge did not immediately rule.