newsmakers

newsmakers

Bill Cosby’s silence may be best defense

LOS ANGELES

Bill Cosby has the right to remain silent — and that may be his best strategy.

With police urging any possible sex-abuse victims to come forward, two lawsuits pending and more than 15 women making accusations stretching back years, Cosby has little to gain by speaking publicly, legal experts say.

While his reputation takes a hit, the comedian could potentially ride out the storm as lawyers knock down old claims in court. But if he says something disparaging about an accuser, as one woman has alleged, he could face a new wave of legal trouble.

Madonna releases 6 songs after leak

NEW YORK

In a surprise preview of her new album, Madonna released six songs Saturday on iTunes and various streaming services.

The songs were released because several in-progress demos were leaked earlier this week, publicist Liz Rosenberg said.

Madonna said in a statement that she had wanted to wait until a different holiday season.

“I was hoping to release my new single ‘Living For Love’ on Valentine’s Day with the rest of the album coming in the spring,” she said. “I would prefer my fans to hear completed versions of some of the songs instead of the incomplete tracks that are circulating. Please consider these six songs as an early Christmas gift.”

Songs available Saturday also include the anti-drug “Devil Pray”; the secretive, name-checking dance track “Illuminati”; and a duet with Nicki Minaj, “B---h I’m Madonna.” More music will be released Feb. 9, Rosenberg said.

The full album, “Rebel Heart,” is set for release in March.

Associated Press