More information is coming to light in the ongoing investigation involving comedian Bill Cosby and a string of rape and harassment allegations. NBC's Dateline will feature a joint interview with 27 of the women accusing Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting them. NBC News' national correspondent Kate Snow will sit down in the same room with nearly half the women who have come forward to tell their stories about Cosby's alleged crimes.
The hour-long special will give the women a chance to answer questions about their claims, respond to denial from Cosby's legal team and the comedian himself, as well as, discuss their "personal recollections of assault, betrayal, and emotional distress," the network said in a statement. Beverly Johnson, Cindra Ladd, and Lise-Lotte Lublin are just a few of the accusers who will be sharing their testimonies on during the broadcast.
Many of the women will be meeting face-to-face for the first time. Referred to as an "unwanted sisterhood" by one of the accusers, the women will engage in a powerful interview where they can not only share their similar accounts of abuse, but also use each other as beacons of strength.
A photo posted by Dateline NBC (@datelinenbc) on Oct 6, 2015 at 5:33am PDT
A powerful image as 27 of Bill Cosby's accusers come together for a joint interview on NBC’s Dateline, airing Oct. 9 pic.twitter.com/ui4YtDdF4f
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) October 6, 2015
"This is the safest, most accepted, group of women that we can talk to," Lublin said in preview remarks for the special according to The Hollywood Reporter. "There's nothing greater than that, and more healing, than to just walk up to them and be accepted immediately. And for me, it's powerful and it's beautiful, and I'm so glad that I have it."
The criminal allegations towards the 78-year-old actor and father of five continue to pile up. More than 50 women have come forward to press charges against Cosby and recount their alleged interactions with him. The outpour of accusations followed the release of a powerful July issue of New York magazine featuring 35 of Cosby's accusers on the cover. The issue sparked controversy for many reasons, including the open chair on the cover that left readers wondering if there were more women out there who haven't spoken up about it yet.
Cosby's alleged indiscretions have been the topic of conversation with everyone from radio personalities to daytime talk show hosts. A&E held a similar one-hour provocative special called, "Cosby: The Women Speak," which featured many of the women on the New York magazine cover. Dr. Phil also spoke with some of the accusers on his show.
"I think for me, if I feel like I can be of service to another generation," Ladd said in preview remarks for the special according to The Hollywood Reporter. "By standing up and showing how important it is for everyone to stand up and tell the truth, and that it's ok, and look what we've created here."
NBC's Dateline special, "The Cosby Accusers Speak," is expected to air on Friday (Oct. 9) at 9 p.m. EST.
