Camille Cosby has been ordered to take the stand for a deposition hearing in her husband's ongoing defamation case.

The New York Daily News reports a Massachusetts judge on Thursday denied a motion by Bill Cosby's wife of more than 50 years to quash a subpoena brought against her. She is now slated to testify on Jan. 6.

In rendering his decision, U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy concluded he found "no merit in Mrs. Cosby's arguments and accordingly deny her motion in its entirety."

The judge added her dual role as her husband's manager "render it at least plausible that Mrs. Cosby is in possession of information that 'is relevant.'"

Camille Cosby had sought to have the subpoena, brought by seven women against her husband, dismissed on the grounds she had a spouse's right to privacy and shouldn't be forced to answer questions about her husband's sexual "proclivities."

Bill Cosby's legal team further accused the women of trying to subject Camille Cosby to the shame of having to take the stand and answer repeated questions about her husband's allege infidelity.

The decision came a day after Bill Cosby was charged with felony aggravated indecent assault in Pennsylvania. In all, more than 50 women have now accused the "Cosby Show" dad of drugging and sexually assaulting them over a period that spans more than five decades.

In their defamation suit, the women contend Bill Cosby maliciously portrayed them as liars after they went public with their allegations. Cosby has now counter-sued, arguing the false accusations have harmed his reputation and derailed plans for a new family comedy on NBC.

CNN reports no start date has been set for a trial, but if eventually convicted, he could face a maximum of 10 years in jail.