Attorneys for Bill Cosby claim the comedian was acting out of self-defense when he labeled three women, who have accused him of sexual assault and are now suing him for defamation, "liars."

The New York Daily News reports Tamara Green, Therese Serignese and Linda Traitz have filed a defamation lawsuit in Massachusetts seeking unspecified damages amid claims Cosby tarnished their reputations based on his smear efforts.

During a federal court hearing held on Monday, Cosby's attorneys also countered by contending the suit should be tossed because the remarks made by their client were personal and thus are protected by the Constitution.

The women are the latest among a parade of dozens who have recently stepped forward to accuse the now 77-year-old world famous comedian of having assaulted them over the years. Cosby has denied all the claims.

Just this week, a former Playboy bunny joined the growing list of those pointing the finger at Cosby. Victoria Valentino claims she was just 24 years old when Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in an attack so traumatic she left Hollywood.

"He put a pill down next to my wine glass and he said, 'Here, take this you'll feel better.' I was in that place where, sure, I'd like to feel better, so I took the pill," Valentino said.

In recent days, Yahoo reports four more women have emerged to claim Cosby sexually assaulted them, bringing the overall total of such accusations now lodged against him to nearly 40.

In Valentino's case, she alleges that she and a friend were so badly drugged they were barely able to speak. Cosby then reportedly took the women back to his apartment and assaulted them.

"In those days socially and legally who would have believed me? You know single white mother of a black child, a playboy center fold, up against a powerful wealthy television star," she said. "This man has to be the most prolific serial rapist in the 21st century."