Changing tactics: Cosby defence aggressively attacks accuser
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — As Bill Cosby stands trial a second time over allegations he sexually molested a woman in 2004, his new, high-powered Hollywood lawyer took a far more aggressive tone toward the accuser in his opening statement Tuesday.
Armed with a couple key rulings that could help the defence, Tom Mesereau told jurors that Andrea Constand is a “con artist” who framed his client because she was after “money, money and lots more money.” Mesereau made the point repeatedly as he sought to cast Constand as the villain, and Cosby her victim.
Cosby’s lawyer for his first trial , by contrast, tried to undermine Constand’s credibility by focusing on what he said were her shifting accounts to police.
In his opening statement last June, Brian McMonagle said Constand hadn’t told the truth — but only hinted at her alleged motivation.