Bill Cosby Degree Rescinded In Wake of Sexual Assault Scandal;' 'So Irresponsible As To Shock Conscience,' Said Actor

In wake of the ongoing scandalous revelations related to the comedian actor Bill Cosby, Fordham University rescinded its honorary degree awarded to the actor comedian in 2013. However, the news did not go down too well with the Cosby and his attorney sent a harshly worded letter condemning Fordham University on its action taken against his client. He called the step taken "so irresponsible as to shock the conscience," revealed People.

He also stated that the statement grossly mischaracterizes both Mr. Cosby's actions and his deposition testimony. The lawyer also alleged that the language used by the University is more befitting a tabloid journal rather than a respected institution of higher learning. Cosby's case is being represented by John P. Schmitt of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler who wrote to the Rev. Joseph McShane, president of Fordham.

Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Fordham University in New York City jointly announced that the universities were rescinding honorary degrees given to Cosby. The degree was awarded after votes by their respective boards of trustees and in the first time in its history the university is taking such a step looking at the revelations made by the actor comedian, said People. These are two of twenty-three universities from which Bill Cosby holds honorary degrees, said Inquisitr.

Bills Cosby had earlier admitted to extra-marital relationships with several women and some of them have been accusing him of sexual assault. A deposition that was made in 2005 was revealed earlier this year in which Cosby admitted purchase of drugs that would be used in these sexual encounters, as well as convincing a doctor to prescribe drugs under false pretense, and paying off women to keep silent about the encounters apart from illicit sexual relationships and assault, reported Inquisitr. Cosby did not reveal whether the encounters were consensual or not.