Phylicia Rashad is speaking out in defense of her former TV husband, Bill Cosby.

In the wake of the countless sexual assault allegations against the comedian, Rashad -- who played Cosby's fiercely independent and intelligent wife Clair Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show' -- has staunchly defended her former co-star in a shocking new interview.

Speaking to Showbiz 411 at a luncheon for the Civil Rights film 'Selma,' it was clear that Rashad strongly believes that "someone" is out to ruin Cosby's career.

"Forget these women," Rashad said in regards to the more than 15 women who have claimed they were raped or sexually assaulted by Cosby. "What you're seeing is the destruction of a legacy. And I think it's orchestrated. I don't know why or who's doing it, but it's a legacy. And it's a legacy that is so important to the culture."

She further dismisses claims from model Janice DIckinson and Beverly Johnson.

"Oh please," the Tony Award-winning actress reportedly replied when their names came up. A woman she was quick to defend, however, is Cosby's wife Camille.

"This is a tough woman. A smart woman. She's no pushover," Rashad said, claiming that there was no way that Cosby's wife would have turned the other cheek if such had been occurring.

"Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV. And it's worked," Rashad continued. "All his contracts have been canceled."

A news conference is set to be held today (Jan. 7) with women's rights attorney Gloria Allred and three new alleged victims of Cosby.

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