For the first time in more than two years, Bill Cosby is speaking out about the sexual assault allegations that have tainted his once-pristine brand. Just weeks ahead of his trial date set for early June, in a 30-minute interview with radio host Michael Smerconish, the comedian seems to suggest that there is a larger conspiracy behind the allegations. "Nefarious is a great word," Cosby said in an interview clip released on Monday. While he chose his responses carefully, Cosby implied that there may have been racist motivations behind the sex assault scandal. "I just truly believe that, uhm, some of it may very well be that," he said.

Cosby's daughters have since come forward with similar statements, blaming the media for damaging their father's reputation. In an audio statement aired on "The Breakfast Club," Ensa Cosby said, "My father has been publicly lynched in the media."

Cosby took to Twitter on Monday with a message of gratitude for his family.

No matter where you stand, one thing is for certain, Cosby is making a strategic attempt to wage his defense in the court of public opinion.  We'll see how this goes.

Bill-cosbysex scandalSexual assault