Bill Cosby breaks silence on media, wife

Bill Cosby's lawyer, John P. Schmitt, released a statement Monday afternoon following The New York Post article:

"On Saturday, the New York Post published an article by Stacy Brown indicating that Bill Cosby 'broke his silence' Friday in a discussion with Mr. Brown. Various media outlets have reported on the story with the headline 'Bill Cosby Speaks Out.' Mr. Cosby and Mr. Brown did in fact have a telephone conversation. Mr. Brown identified himself as a free-lance reporter for a number of African-American media outlets, which prompted Mr. Cosby's comment regarding the African-American media. Mr. Brown did not indicate that he was interviewing Mr. Cosby for publication, did not say that he was reporting for the New York Post, and did not tell Mr. Cosby that the conversation was being recorded. In a discussion of journalistic standards, Mr. Brown failed to adhere to the most basic standards of his profession."

Cosby broke his silence amid a flood of rape accusations in a very brief interview with The New York Post's Page Six.

"Let me say this. I only expect the black media to uphold the standards of excellence in journalism and when you do that you have to go in with a neutral mind," Cosby told the publication's Stacy Brown, who noted that he frequently writes for African-American publications.

Cosby, 77, has stayed silent in light of the more than two dozen women who have come forward to accuse him of having drugged and raped them. The alleged incidents go as far back as the 1960s.

In the interview, Cosby also addressed how his wife, Camille Cosby, has weathered the allegations and ongoing public scrutiny.

"Love and the strength of womanhood," he said. "Let me say it again, love and the strength of womanhood. And, you could reverse it, the strength of womanhood and love."

Cosby declined to address the rape and sexual assault allegations, though. According to the report, he's been advised not to discuss the ongoing cases with the media.

Brown wrote that the comedian, speaking from his Massachusetts home, sounded "upbeat" on the phone.

The Page Six interview ended abruptly, though, when Cosby told the reporter that "they" don't want him talking to the media.

In recent weeks Cosby has seen several stand-up gigs get canceled and his upcoming TV series get scrapped, too. His Hollywood Walk of Fame star was vandalized. And he's stepped down as a member of the board of trustees at Temple University.

Last week, model Beverly Johnson said Cosby drugged her in the 1980s. Just days before, Tamara Green -- a woman who accused Cosby of raping her in the 1970s -- filed a defamation lawsuit against the comedian, alleging he "publicly branded" her a liar when his lawyer called her claims "absolutely false."