NPR host Scott Simon appeared on CNN Sunday morning to describe his recent interview with Bill Cosby that quickly devolved as the comedian refused to answer questions about the sexual assault allegations against him.
Simon said that as soon as he began to ask about the charges, Cosby immediately started to shake his head with a distinct expression.
“He gave what I would refer to as that delightful, impish little kind of Cosby smile, at first, and then was silent,” Simon told "New Day."
For an interview that aired on Weekend Edition Saturday, Simon had been speaking with Cosby and his wife Camille about the large collection of African art the couple donated to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Simon strayed from the topic at one point, however, to ask Cosby about rape charges that have resurfaced since his alleged rape victim, Barbara Bowman, recently penned a column in The Washington Post about her past experience.
Simon also told CNN that he could not comment on Camille Cosby's reaction to the question because he did not -- and perhaps could not -- look at her face.
“I did not look at Mrs. Cosby, and I don’t mind saying I might’ve been a little uncomfortable doing that anyway,” he said. “I did not look at her."
An excerpt of the interview transcript, via NPR:
SCOTT SIMON: "This question gives me no pleasure, Mr. Cosby, but there have been serious allegations raised about you in recent days."
BILL COSBY: [SILENCE]
SIMON: "You're shaking your head no. I'm in the news business. I have to ask the question. Do you have any response to those charges?"
COSBY: [SILENCE]
SIMON: "Shaking your head no. There are people who love you who might like to hear from you about this. I want to give you the chance."
COSBY: [SILENCE]
Cosby's accuser also appeared on CNN Sunday to talk to "Reliable Sources" host Brian Stelter about the media's reaction to her story. Bowman said she feels the media has taken "too much caution" when reporting on the allegations.
"I wish that there were more gutsy journalists to take that on," she told Stelter. "But I also -- I have to have some empathy for the journalists -- because I think that sometimes there are situations when they feel their hands are tied."