Camille Cosby is deposed in Massachusetts defamation case

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Bill Cosby's wife, an enigmatic figure who has publicly stood by her husband despite the dozens of sexual assault allegations against him, was deposed today in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by seven accusers.

The deposition, believed to be the first she has given since dozens of women came forward to accuse him of sex assault, was given under heavy security at the Springfield Marriott. Hotel staff cordoned off the area of the hotel near the conference room where Cosby gave her deposition and later pulled heavy draperies across the hallway so no one could see the door to the room.

Depositions in civil cases are typically given in private, with only the people being deposed, their lawyers and a stenographer in the room. Written transcripts of depositions are generally sealed from public view because they are considered discovery materials shared between lawyers on both sides. But depositions can sometimes become public when they are attached to support a motion in the case.

Camille, 71, has been married to Bill for 52 years. She has also been his business manager.