Los Angeles, Dec 16 (IANS): Bill Cosby's longtime wife Camille Cosby has finally broken her silence and condemned the accusations of sexual assault made against her husband. She says the comedian has become a victim in the media furore.

The veteran actor's reputation has taken a severe hit in recent weeks after more than 20 women went public with allegations of the star's inappropriate behaviour, with reported incidents dating back to decades.

“I met my husband, Bill Cosby, in 1963, and we were married in 1964. The man I met, and fell in love with, and whom I continue to love, is the man you all knew through his work. He is a kind man, a generous man, a funny man, and a wonderful husband, father and friend. He is the man you thought you knew,” Camille said in a statement issued Monday.

“A different man has been portrayed in the media over the last two months. It is the portrait of a man I do not know. It is also a portrait painted by individuals and organisations whom many in the media have given a pass. There appears to be no vetting of my husband's accusers before stories are published or aired. An accusation is published, and immediately goes viral,” she added.