US Navy revokes honorary title given to Bill Cosby

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Navy is revoking Bill Cosby’s title of honorary chief petty officer, saying allegations of sexual abuse made against the comedian are serious and conflict with the Navy’s core values.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Stevens made the announcement Thursday in a statement.

Cosby enlisted in the Navy in 1956 and served four years as a hospital corpsman before being honorably discharged in 1960 as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. The honorary title was presented to Cosby in 2011.

The 77-year-old Cosby has refused to answer questions about mounting accusations that he sexually abused several women.

NBC television recently scrapped a Cosby comedy program that was under development, some of his appearances have been canceled and he has resigned from Temple University’s board of trustees.