Cosby asks court to reseal deposition testimony

PHILADELPHIA – The Latest on Bill Cosby (all times local):

1 p.m.

Judges in Philadelphia have listened skeptically as a lawyer for Bill Cosby urged a court to reseal testimony in which he describes his extramarital affairs, use of sedatives and payments to women.

A federal appeals court Wednesday suggested the point is moot given that Cosby’s testimony from a sex assault lawsuit made headlines worldwide.

The release of the decade-old documents last year came at the request of The Associated Press. A judge found the public had a right to read Cosby’s testimony because of his self-appointed role as “a public moralist.”

The three-judge panel questioned that reasoning and wondered if Cosby was actually a public figure with a reduced right to privacy under the law.

Cosby’s lawyers hope to keep the documents from being used in his related criminal case and other legal battles.

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10 a.m.

Lawyers for Bill Cosby are urging a court to reseal the actor’s deposition testimony about extramarital affairs, quaaludes and payments to women.

Cosby doesn’t want the decade-old testimony used in the legal battles he’s fighting with women who accuse him of sexual assault or defamation.

A federal appeals court in Philadelphia is hearing arguments Wednesday.

The 78-year-old Cosby hopes to overturn a ruling that made the documents public last year at The Associated Press’ request.

The AP argues the issue is now moot given the widespread coverage that ensued.

Cosby admits to several affairs in the deposition and says he obtained prescription sedatives to give to women he hoped to seduce.

The deposition stems from a lawsuit filed by the accuser at the centre of his pending criminal case.