Judge O'Neill Denies Bill Cosby Team's Request For Recusal

NORRISTOWN, PA — Judge Steven T. O'Neill denied a request Thursday from Bill Cosby's attorneys to recuse himself from the case on grounds of bias.

O'Neill heard arguments from the defense Thursday morning suggesting that he was unfit to preside over the case due to his wife's work as an advocate for women who have been victims of sexual assault. In his order denying the request, O'Neill said his wife's work did not influence his work as a judge, and had not compromised his independence during the first Cosby trial last June.

Had Cosby's team been successful in getting O'Neill's recusal, the trial would have been delayed indefinitely as a replacement was sought.

Cosby, 81, stands accused of the sexual assault of Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee, inside his Cheltenham home in 2004.

Thursday and Friday are days set aside for various pretrial matters and motions presented by both the defense and prosecution. The defense's issue with O'Neill was the first item addressed.

Jury selection is also slated to begin Thursday.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Read our latest updates on the Cosby case below:

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• Bill Cosby Team Seeks To Ban T-Shirts, Buttons, Flowers At Trial
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• Date For Jury Selection In Bill Cosby Trial Set
• The Bill Cosby Saga Continues: 2017 In Review

Photo of Judge O'Neill by Ed Hille/Getty Images